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- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Optional: pinch of nutmeg To make a creamy vegan cashew Alfredo sauce, you need a few main ingredients. The star of this sauce is raw cashews. Soak them for at least four hours or overnight. Soaking softens them, making the sauce smooth. Next, you need vegetable broth. It adds depth and flavor. Nutritional yeast gives that cheesy taste without dairy. Lemon juice adds brightness and a bit of zing. For seasoning, minced garlic gives a punch. Onion powder enhances the flavor, while salt and black pepper balance everything. If you like warmth, a pinch of nutmeg works well. These ingredients blend to create a rich, creamy sauce. It's perfect over pasta or veggies. I love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes gourmet. With these ingredients, you can impress anyone. To start, you need to soak the cashews. This makes them soft and easy to blend. Place one cup of raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least four hours or overnight for the best results. After soaking, it's time to drain and rinse the cashews. Pour the cashews into a colander and rinse them under cool water. This step helps remove any extra starch and ensures a smoother sauce. Now, let's add the ingredients to the blender. In your high-speed blender, place the soaked cashews. Add one cup of vegetable broth, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. If you want a touch of warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg. Next, blend all the ingredients on high speed. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. After blending, transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring gently. Be careful! You want to warm it up, but don’t let it boil. Keep stirring until it’s hot throughout. Now, your Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce is ready! Serve it over your favorite pasta or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish you've made! To get the right thickness for your sauce, start by adding less broth. You can always add more if needed. If your sauce is too thick, just mix in a little vegetable broth. Blend until you reach the smoothness you like. When heating the sauce, keep the flame low. Avoid boiling it. High heat can make the sauce separate and ruin its creamy texture. To boost the flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. These spices add depth and warmth. A dash of lemon zest can brighten the sauce too. Always taste as you go. If it needs more flavor, add salt or lemon juice. Balancing these flavors makes a big difference. A high-speed blender is key for a smooth sauce. Look for brands like Vitamix or Blendtec. They handle nuts well. For heating, use a non-stick saucepan. This type of cookware helps prevent sticking and burning. A wooden spoon is great for stirring gently while warming the sauce. {{image_2}} You can boost the health of your Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce easily. One great way is to add leafy greens like spinach or kale. These greens are packed with vitamins. They blend well and add a nice color. Another option is to explore different types of nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor and has B vitamins. You can use a fortified version for extra nutrition. Just sprinkle it in as you blend. To make the sauce even tastier, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or oregano can bring a new life to the dish. Chop them finely and mix them in before serving. Roasted garlic is another delicious twist. It has a sweet and rich flavor. Just roast your garlic until it's soft, then blend it in. This will give your sauce a lovely depth. Choosing the right pasta can enhance your dish. Fettuccine or penne work well with this creamy sauce. Their shapes hold the sauce nicely, making every bite flavorful. You can also serve this sauce with vegetable sides. Roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms pair great with it. They add texture and extra taste to your meal. To store vegan cashew Alfredo sauce in the fridge, first let it cool down. Pour the sauce into an airtight container. Seal the container well to keep air out. Place it in the fridge. The sauce can stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Before using, check for any changes in smell or texture. You can freeze the sauce for later use. To do this, let the sauce cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Leave some space at the top, as the sauce may expand when frozen. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw and reheat, move the container to the fridge overnight. When ready to use, pour the sauce into a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warm. If the sauce seems thick, add a little vegetable broth to lighten it up. Making this sauce in batches can save time for quick meals. You can whip up a large amount and store it. Use it throughout the week over pasta, veggies, or grains. If you have leftover sauce, try mixing it with cooked quinoa or rice. It also works great as a dip for fresh veggies or spread on sandwiches. This sauce is versatile, adding flavor to many dishes. Yes, you can use other nuts or seeds. Almonds, sunflower seeds, or hemp seeds work well. They give a nice creaminess too. You can also use silken tofu for a smooth texture. Just blend it with the same seasonings. This way, you still get that rich flavor. Yes, this sauce is gluten-free! Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Brands vary, so always check labels. Most ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. You can enjoy this sauce with gluten-free pasta or veggies. To spice up your sauce, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and mix it in. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for more heat. If you like garlic flavor, try roasted garlic for a deeper taste. Adjust the spice to fit your palate! This vegan Alfredo sauce uses simple, healthy ingredients like soaked cashews and broth. We’ve covered how to prepare, blend, and heat your sauce. I shared tips for smoothness and flavor, along with fun ways to switch it up. Your sauce can easily fit meals at home. Store it in the fridge or freeze for later. Now you can enjoy a tasty dish that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition. Happy cooking!

Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy vegan cashew Alfredo sauce that will elevate your pasta dishes! With simple ingredients like soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and fragrant garlic, you can whip up a delightful sauce in just 15 minutes. Perfect for vegans and pasta lovers alike, this recipe is a must-try. Click through to discover how to make this delicious creaminess that everyone will adore!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight

1 cup vegetable broth

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: pinch of nutmeg for warmth

Instructions
 

Drain and rinse the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender.

    Add vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the blender.

      Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.

        Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice for brightness.

          Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring gently until warmed throughout. Do not boil.

            Serve the warm sauce over your favorite pasta or vegetables, and enjoy!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 15 min | Serves 4-6