Cashews Are Magic

Is there any nut more versatile, more agile, or more beloved than the cashew? I don’t want to hear a word from the peanut gallery; everyone knows those are really legumes, after all. Curved like oversized commas, a buttery, toasted cashew could give any hungry eater pause, too. I had been so enamored with the tropical nuts that at one point, I wanted to write a cookbook called, Cashews Are Magic. While this never came to pass, their enchanting powers still hold true.

The magic lies in their textural transformation. Soak raw cashews, and they soften into a dreamy canvas for creamy sauces, dips, and vegan cheeses. Imagine a luxuriously rich Alfredo sauce or a velvety cashew queso, all dairy-free and deeply decadent. Don’t forget cheesecakes, both raw and baked, or mousses of every flavor.

Neutral or subtly nutty in flavor, cashews don’t need to be the star of the show to shine. That strong foundation complements everything from chocolate to berries, herbs to chilies, without any misgivings.

Incredibly shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration until soaked, there’s no excuse for being without cashews at all times. They’re an essential pantry staple, ready to whip into a creamy creation at a moment’s notice. Plus, with a healthy dose of plant-based protein and essential fats, cashews have both brains and beauty, keeping you satiated and energized.

Don’t underestimate the humble cashew. It’s a nutrient-rich ingredient with a chameleon-like ability to transform into dairy-free sauces, cheeses, dips, and even decadent desserts. With a little creativity, cashews can become the cornerstone of a delicious and versatile vegan kitchen. While there’s no cookbook on the horizon from me, here are a few of my favorite cashew recipes so far.

Top 20 Cashew Recipes

There's nothing that cashews can't do. From sweet to savory, plant-based dairy to meatless dinners, they're the best nut for the job. Here are a few of my favorite cashew recipes.

8 thoughts on “Cashews Are Magic

  1. I had no idea you could make so many things with cashews – they are magical. I am delighted you do rounds ups once in awhile as you have so many recipes on your site it is nice to see the ones we have missed.

    1. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the roundups! Even I forget what recipes I’ve made, and I hate having all that great content go to waste.

    1. What has happened to your blog, RunPlantBased?
      There hasn’t been any updates since April.

  2. The collection of recipes you’ve curated showcases just how dynamic cashews can be, from savory dishes like Cashew Parmesan and Sri Lankan-Inspired Cashew Curry to indulgent treats like Protein Fudge and No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. It’s clear that cashews are indeed magical in the kitchen!

    1. That’s the truth! No wonder they’re so prized, especially in plant-based kitchens. They really can do it all!

Leave a Reply