BEST EVER CASHEW CHEESE SAUCE

Best Ever Cashew Cheese Sauce image

This is a versatile cashew cheese sauce that's totally plant-based. I use it as a pasta sauce, as a pizza topping, over roasted veggies, on tacos and for grilled cheese. It doesn't reheat well, so I don't suggest making a double batch to use throughout the week. -Max Gregor, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 cups organic raw cashews
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups vegetable broth, divided
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Paprika, optional

Steps:

Rinse cashews in cold water; drain. Place in a large bowl; add enough water to cover by 3 in. Cover and let stand overnight., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute longer. Add 1-1/2 cups broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer., Drain and rinse cashews, discarding liquid. Add cashews to skillet; heat through. Transfer mixture to a blender. Add nutritional yeast; cover and process until pureed, adding enough remaining broth to achieve desired consistency. If desired, sprinkle with paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 329mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.