Cashews are a versatile nut commonly used in cooking for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Here are several ways you can use cashews in cooking:
-
Curries and Gravies: Cashews can be ground into a paste and added to curries and gravies to thicken the sauce and add richness. They impart a creamy texture and nutty flavor to dishes like butter chicken, korma, and tikka masala.
-
Dairy-Free Cream: Cashews can be soaked and blended with water to create a creamy, dairy-free alternative to cream. This cashew cream can be used in soups, sauces, and desserts as a substitute for heavy cream or milk.
-
Vegan Cheese: Cashews can be blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices to create a creamy vegan cheese sauce. This sauce can be used as a topping for pasta, nachos, or as a dip for vegetables.
-
Nut Roasts: Cashews can be ground and mixed with other nuts, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to make a flavorful nut roast or vegetarian meatloaf.
-
Salads: Cashews can be toasted and added to salads for crunch and protein. They pair well with leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables in salads.
-
Stir-Fries: Cashews can be added to stir-fries for texture and flavor. They can be toasted and sprinkled on top of stir-fried vegetables or tofu, or incorporated into the sauce for added creaminess.
-
Desserts: Cashews are commonly used in desserts like vegan cheesecakes, creamy pies, and dairy-free ice creams. They can be blended with dates, coconut oil, and other ingredients to create a creamy and indulgent dessert base.
-
Trail Mixes: Cashews can be combined with other nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to make a homemade trail mix. They add protein, healthy fats, and crunch to the mix.
-
Baked Goods: Cashews can be chopped and added to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and muffins for added texture and flavor. They can also be ground into a flour and used as a gluten-free alternative in baking.
Overall, cashews are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes to add richness, creaminess, and nutty flavor.
