Healthy Nacho Cheese

By opting for this vegan nacho cheese sauce, you're not just indulging in a creamy, flavorful topping – you're also making a choice that's beneficial for your health, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional processed cheeses.

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw cashews (soak if needed, see instructions below)

• 3 tbsp lemon juice

• 4 cups of water (divided use)

• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh garlic)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 2 tsp salt, or to taste

• 1-2 tsp Sriracha sauce (or 1-2 Hawaiian chilli peppers)

• Optional add-ins: diced jalapenos, green chilis, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, etc.

Directions

1. Blend Ingredients:

• In a blender, combine the cashews, lemon juice, 3 1/2 cups of water, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Blend on high speed until smooth (about 2 minutes). The mixture will be quite watery at this stage.

1. Thicken the Sauce:

• Transfer the sauce from the blender into a medium saucepan. Warm it over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to bubble and thicken. Adjust the consistency by adding the remaining ½ cup of water as needed.

1. Season and Add Extras:

• Once thickened, season to taste. Stir in any optional ingredients like jalapenos, salsa, or beans to transform it into a delicious queso.

1. Enjoy!

• Serve your vegan nacho cheese warm and with love over nachos, veggies, pasta, or any dish of your choice.

Cashew Soaking Instructions

• No Need to Soak in a High-Speed Blender: If you’re using a Vitamix or similar high-speed blender, soaking isn’t necessary.

• Quick Soak Method: Boil water, cover the cashews with boiling water, and set aside for 10-15 minutes. Then drain.

• Long Soak Method: Soak the cashews for several hours or overnight in room temperature water, then drain.

Storage and Reheating

• Store any extra sauce in the fridge for easy and convenient use later. It's great on baked potatoes, burritos, enchiladas, veggie burgers, and more.

• To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Enjoy this versatile and delicious vegan nacho cheese sauce, a perfect addition to a variety of dishes!

Health Benefits of this Nacho Cheese

A Nutritious Alternative: This homemade vegan nacho cheese sauce is not only delicious but also offers several health advantages over traditional processed nacho cheese:

1. Whole Food Ingredients: Unlike many store-bought cheeses that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, this sauce is made from whole, natural ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. These ingredients are minimally processed and free from additives, promoting better overall health.

2. Rich in Nutrients: Cashews are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Nutritional yeast, a staple in vegan cooking, is packed with B-vitamins, including B12, which is essential for vegans and vegetarians.

3. Lower in Unhealthy Fats: Traditional nacho cheese often contains high levels of saturated fats and trans fats, which are linked to heart disease and other health issues. The fats in cashews are primarily unsaturated, which are healthier for the heart.

4. Dairy-Free and Lactose-Free: This recipe is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. It’s also beneficial for people looking to reduce dairy consumption for ethical or health reasons, such as lowering cholesterol levels.

5. Free from Artificial Additives: Processed cheeses typically contain artificial colors and preservatives, which some individuals may wish to avoid due to health concerns or dietary restrictions.

6. Customizable for Nutritional Needs: You have the flexibility to adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For instance, you can reduce salt for a lower sodium version or add extra nutritional yeast for more B-vitamins.

7. Potential for Added Vegetables: The option to include veggies like tomatoes, kale, or spinach can increase the fiber and nutrient content, making it an even healthier choice.