With a bag of raw cashews, you can make milk, enjoy decadent vegan cheesecake, whip up dairy-free mayo, top your bagels with a cream cheese-like spread--and that's just for starters.
Cashews are kind of a miracle ingredient in the kitchen, particularly if you don't eat dairy. Here are 33 recipes that demonstrate exactly why cashews are one of our favorite pantry staples.
31 Reasons Why Cashews Are Our Favorite Pantry Staple
They add a satisfying crunch to stir fries.
They're the easiest way to make a vegan milk--no straining required!
They replace mozzarella in caprese salads and sandwiches.
They make a mean vegan parmesan. [via Connoisseurus Veg]
They're the perfect stand-in for creamy whipped topping.
They can be turned into any flavor of aioli you can imagine.
They can make a creamy banana pudding without using a store-bought mix.
They can be formed into everyone's favorite holiday appetizer, the cheeseball!
They can be whipped into a cream cheese substitute for bagels and sandwiches.
They can add creaminess to soups without dairy.
They can be added to pestos in place of parmesan and pine nuts. [via Farm Fresh Feasts]
They can replace the ricotta in manicotti...
...and also in cannoli.
They can make a vegan mayo for all your sandwich needs.
They make an epic creamy salad dressing.
They make a healthier version of alfredo sauce.
They make the perfect substitute for whipped cream.
They make a protein-rich base for energy bites. [via The Busy Baker]
They can be substituted for the sauce and the cheese in lasagna.
They make a ranch dip you'll want to put on everything you eat.
They make a cheesecake so good no one will realize there's no cream cheese involved.
They can be turned into a butter like other nuts.
They can replace the sour cream or crema on tacos.
They add creaminess and body to your morning smoothie.
They can replace the layer of cheese that covers enchiladas.
They can make a creamy sauce for a stir fry.
They can be whipped into a dairy-free version of French Onion Dip.
They can replace the feta in spanakopita.
They can be turned into a rich, creamy substitute for chocolate mousse or pudding.
They make the perfect cheesy-but-cheeseless fondue. [via Healthy Slow Cooking]
They make a great topping for fritters, steamed vegetables, and anything else that needs a little oomph.
Tori says
These are all winners and that dessert pizza, OMG!
Lori says
I love cashews and they are great for vegan meals...but they are also very expensive. I find there are a lot of wonderful meals or especially desserts that can be made with cashews, but I tend not to make them except for special occasions because of cost.