Yet Another Vegan Cheese Sauce

Ah, vegan cheese sauce! A favorite of many vegans and non-vegans alike, this creamy and savory sauce can be the perfect addition to many dishes, from nachos to pasta to even veggies. The good news is that you don't have to miss out on this indulgence just because you're avoiding dairy. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can make a delicious vegan cheese sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

These ingredients work well for a vegan cheese sauce because they provide the necessary creaminess and flavor to mimic traditional cheese sauce. The soaked cashews are blended to create a creamy base, while the nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the use of dairy products. The lemon juice adds a tangy and bright note, while the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cumin provide a complex and savory flavor profile. Finally, the salt and black pepper help to bring all the flavors together, and the unsweetened almond milk can be added to achieve the desired consistency. Together, these ingredients create a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheese sauce.

Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 
  1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for 2-4 hours and drained
  
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

1. Place the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until a fine meal is achieved.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in the almond milk until a smooth sauce is formed. Add more or less almond milk depending on the desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

To add a twist to this recipe, you could try adding a small amount of Dijon mustard, hot sauce, or your favorite herbs to give the sauce a unique flavor. Another option is to add some roasted red peppers, which will give the sauce a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.

This vegan cheese sauce is not only delicious, but it's also versatile. You can use it as a dip for veggies or chips, as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, or as a sauce for pasta or veggies. The possibilities are endless, and with a little experimentation and creativity, you can add your own twist to this classic recipe.