Vegan Cashew Gravy is a luscious and flavorful alternative to traditional gravies, perfect for adding a rich, creamy touch to your plant-based meals. Whether drizzled over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or biscuits, this dairy-free gravy brings a comforting and savory element to your dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours (or overnight)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions
- Soak the Cashews: Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Blend the Gravy: In a blender, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, drained cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast (if using), soy sauce, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the gravy is too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Simmer: Pour the blended cashew gravy back into the skillet and heat over low heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Vegan Cashew Gravy warm over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or any dish that needs a rich, creamy sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time for cashews)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding soaking time)
Variations
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for varied flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a small amount of smoked paprika for a smoky undertone.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it.
10 FAQs
- Can I use raw cashews without soaking them? Soaking the cashews is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. If you don’t soak them, the gravy may be grainy.
- What if I don’t have nutritional yeast? Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have any. The gravy will still be delicious without it.
- Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, you can use any vegetable broth or even chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegan.
- Is there a substitute for soy sauce? Tamari is a good gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- How do I adjust the thickness of the gravy? If the gravy is too thick, blend in additional vegetable broth a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Can I make this gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat before serving.
- What if I don’t have a high-speed blender? A regular blender will work, but ensure you blend the mixture thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture. You may need to blend longer.
- How can I make this gravy spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.
- Can I use this gravy for a holiday meal? Absolutely! It’s a great dairy-free alternative to traditional gravies and pairs well with many holiday dishes.
- What dishes pair well with Vegan Cashew Gravy? This gravy is versatile and can be served over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, biscuits, pasta, or any dish that needs a creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Vegan Cashew Gravy is a creamy, rich sauce that brings a delightful, savory flavor to a variety of dishes. With its smooth texture and versatile ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional gravies. Easy to make and adaptable to your taste preferences, this gravy is sure to enhance your meals with its comforting and delicious qualities. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this vegan gravy at your next meal!
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Vegan Cashew Gravy: A Creamy, Plant-Based Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Cashew Gravy is a smooth and creamy dairy-free sauce made with blended cashews, sautéed onions, and garlic. Enhanced with a touch of nutritional yeast and soy sauce, this gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours (or overnight)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Cashews: Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Blend the Gravy: In a blender, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, drained cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast (if using), soy sauce, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the gravy is too thick, you can add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Simmer: Pour the blended cashew gravy back into the skillet and heat over low heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the Vegan Cashew Gravy warm over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or any dish that needs a rich, creamy sauce.
Notes
- Soaking cashews is crucial for a smooth texture. If you skip soaking, the gravy may be grainy.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor but can be omitted if not available.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop, Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg