Vegan Spicy Cashew Cream with Garlic and Paprika
A rich, creamy plant-based sauce made from soaked cashews blended with aromatic garlic, smoky paprika, and savory tamari. This versatile cream works beautifully as a pasta sauce, salad dressing, or dip for vegetables. The nutritional yeast adds a subtle umami depth while cumin provides warmth. Perfect for adding creamy richness to vegan dishes without dairy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Soak cashews for 1-2 hours if using high-speed blender, or boil for 15 minutes, or soak 4 hours to overnight for regular blenders
- 2
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews
- 3
Add cashews to blender with plant milk, garlic, tamari, paprika, cumin, and nutritional yeast
- 4
Blend until very smooth and creamy, being patient as this may take several minutes
- 5
Add more plant milk if thinner consistency is desired
Tips
High-speed blenders require shorter soaking times but regular blenders need overnight soaking for smoothest results
Blend patiently for several minutes to achieve completely smooth texture without grittiness
Adjust consistency with additional plant milk - start with 1/4 cup increments
Good to Know
Refrigerate in sealed container up to 5 days
Can be made 2-3 days ahead, thin with plant milk if thickened
Serve at room temperature or gently warmed
Common Mistakes
Don't skip soaking time for regular blenders to avoid gritty texture
Don't add all liquid at once - start with less and adjust consistency gradually
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze this cashew cream?
Yes, freeze up to 3 months in portions. Thaw overnight and re-blend with a splash of plant milk as it may separate slightly when frozen.
What if I don't have nutritional yeast?
You can omit it, but the cream will lose some umami depth. For non-vegan options, grated parmesan provides similar savory notes.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream may thicken over time, so thin with plant milk as needed before serving.