By Zina Turner, HCTP September 2014
This nut-based cheese is a wonderful alternative to dairy cheese. Organic raw cashews are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These include essential micronutrients like vitamins E, K, and B6 along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium. Combining the power of cashews with superfoods like nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon, and sea salt makes this recipe a powerhouse of nutrition.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup organic raw cashews, soaked for at least two hours (or overnight), drained, and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, crushed)
- 1/2 teaspoon pink sea salt (more as needed)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Pulse repeatedly to break down cashews until they form a coarse, wet meal.
- Scrape the sides of the food processor with a spatula.
- With the motor running, slowly pour in the water and let the cashews process for about 10 seconds.
- Stop and scrape the machine
- Continue processing for a full 1–2 minutes, or until the cashew cheese is smooth, adding a tablespoon of extra water if needed.
- Add lemon, salt, pepper, or fresh herbs to dress it up.
- Serve with roasted rosemary carrots or any veggie as a healthy snack or meal.
- Cashew cheese will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Zina Turner is a health and wellness coach and consultant specializing in hormone balance, digestive wellness, and food allergies and intolerances. She lives and practices a natural lifestyle with her family and her clients. Zina incorporates all facets of health into her practice, including nutrition, lifestyle choices, exercise, stress reduction, and essential oils. On her mission to advocate for wellness, she frequently attends and hosts conferences, classes, and workshops. Find more from Zina on her website and Instagram.
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