Spicy Cashew Nacho Cheese

Current obsession?  Making plant-based cheese!  I have been experimenting with all sorts of nut cheeses, from pourable, to spreadable to dehydrated.  Each have their time and place.  Before switching to plant-based, one of my favorite cheeses was nacho cheese.  I loved the texture, temperature (when hot) and how versatile it was.  Now I make nacho cheese from cashews and carrots 🙂 This recipe is full of smokiness and spice.  I hope you give it a try!

Chipotle Cashew Cheese Sauce

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

5 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

Use this cheese to spice up your meals as a dip, topping, or sauce. Spicy mac and cheese anyone? Please note prep time does not include the time it take to soak the cashews and carrots.

Author: Bekah Rife

Category: Sauce, Dip, Cheese

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Plant-Based, Vegan

Serves: 1.5 cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight*
• ⅓ cup soaked carrots, soaked for 4 hours or overnight*
• 1 teaspoon white, yellow or chickpea miso paste
• 2 tablespoons diced chipotle peppers*
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
• ¼ teaspoon coriander
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ cup hot water, or more depending on desired consistency

Instructions

1. First, gather your mise en place. (mi ˑ zɑ̃ ˑ plas)
2. Drain and rinse your cashews and carrots well in a strainer.
3. Place all the ingredients in a blender.
4. Start the blender on low and gradually increase to full power. Scrape the sides with a spatula. If you wish for a thinner sauce, add a bit more hot water. Blend again.
5. Taste your cheese and adjust seasoning if need.
6. Pour into a serving bowl or gravy boat. Enjoy as a dip, pizza sauce, pasta sauce, or with nachos. You can make ahead of time and re-heat in a saucepan before serving.

Notes

*If you forgot to soak your nuts and carrots ahead of time, you can soak them in hot water for 30 minutes to 1 hour before using.
*I soak the cashews and carrots in the same bowl.
*I find the chipotle peppers in the Latin area of the grocery store. They come in a jar or can, if you can't find them diced, buy them whole and dice at home.

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