The first time I tried this recipe, I fell in love with it; this dip is delicious, filling, and easy to make. This kind of preparation is what most vegans would call “cheese” or “cashew cheese.” I don’t call it cheese since there is not one thing reminding me of cheese in it; in my opinion, cashew dip seems more appropriate and is lovely as it is; you won’t miss any cheese here. The dip is vegan, cholesterol-free, healthy, full of protein, and delicious. If you like hummus, but get bored after some time, this is a great new addition to your recipe list.
Cashew nuts are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. One oz of cashews provides 5.2 grams of protein and 0.9g of fiber, so this dip is a healthy snack that won’t leave you hungry. The nutty taste and the tanginess of the lemon juice make a perfect balance, it is always a crowd pleaser at parties, even non-vegan guests always go for seconds! This dip is easy and quick to make and so versatile it can be served with raw vegetables, pita, pita chips, beet chips as in the picture, naan bread, or just about anything; it also makes a delicious spread for wraps, sandwiches, and crackers.
The only kind of “tricky” part is that you need to let the cashews soak in water for some time until they are soft, so it is better to start this prep step the day before so you can process everything at once, it will be done in a minute. Nothing complicated about covering the cashews with water and letting them sit; I promise it is worth the wait.
Ingredients:
4 cups of Cashews (soaked in water for more than two hours, preferably overnight.)
1 cup of FRESH lemon juice (fresh makes a huge difference)
8-10 cloves of garlic
3 tbsp fresh finely chopped chives
salt & pepper
Method:
**Soak the Cashews in water for more than two hours. Preferably overnight.
Drain the water completely.
Blend the cashews, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can use a blender or food processor.
Blend for a few minutes until almost smooth. Scrape the sides and blend until evenly smooth. Stop at desired texture, if you prefer a more creamy texture just blend it some more.
Mix in the chopped chives by hand.
Store in an air-tight container and keep in the refrigerator.
Enjoy!
