Description
This Vegan Cashew Gravy is a rich and creamy plant-based sauce made from soaked cashews, sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Perfect as a delicious and dairy-free topping for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite savory dishes, this gravy offers a smooth texture and a subtle cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast without any animal products.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashews
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours (or overnight)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Cashews: Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours or overnight to soften them, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy gravy texture.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them under cold water to remove any residue. Set them aside for blending.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Blend the Gravy Ingredients: In a blender, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, drained cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast (if using), soy sauce or tamari, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Add more vegetable broth if the mixture is too thick to reach your desired consistency.
- Simmer the Gravy: Pour the blended gravy back into the skillet and heat it over low heat. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors and slightly thicken the gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Warm: Serve the vegan cashew gravy warm over mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or any dish that benefits from a creamy, savory sauce.
Notes
- Soaking cashews overnight will result in an even creamier texture but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient.
- The nutritional yeast is optional but adds a nice cheesy flavor to the gravy.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Add vegetable broth gradually while blending to control the thickness of the gravy.
- This gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve after blending if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
