Cashew Sauce

Cashew Pepper Gravy on brown and white rice

VEGAN. The word strikes fear into the heart of every host. Cooks break into a cold sweat asking themselves, "OMG, can I find anything to make without meat, dairy, eggs, honey...?" You know if you were on the vegan's side of the table, you would want more than just a side dish or two. And what about the non-vegans who accidentally get a helping of this stuff? Relax. Cashews to the rescue! Everyone is happy with this versatile, user-friendly base sauce. Here is the recipe, and alterations, for your eclectic table. (And kudos to you on the diversity of your guests!) 

Jan's Raw Cashew Sauce Base

About 3 C. raw cashews

5-6 C. water

salt to taste

A really good blender and spatula

Purchase raw cashews in the bulk area of a whole foods type market. Cashews will be fresher if there is a demand and decent turnover of product. When you get them to your kitchen, rinse cashews several times under the tap. Raw cashews can be a bit dirty. Add the clean nuts to your blender and pulse. Add water slowly, A LITTLE AT A TIME until the cashews are the consistency of creamy peanut butter. Scrape down the sides of your blender, making sure all wee chunks are pulverized. Add the rest of the water and blend; you now have cashew milk. So maybe you don't have a really good blender and you still have a substantially grainy texture, pour the milk through a fine mesh strainer into the saucepan before cooking and it'll work.

This cashew milk is the only thing you'll need for sauce--just add heat. In a large, deep sauce pan, cook over medium to medium high heat stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Soon the milk will start to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste. You'll be surprised at the delicate, rich flavor. I'll go out on a limb here and assure you, you won't miss the dairy! Serve over potatoes, rice or pasta. OR...

Blend in a small jar of pimento peppers, garlic powder and lemon juice to make a sauce for mac'n'cheese

Add caramelized onions and vege-sausage

Saute mushrooms and onions in olive oil, add water and sauce base to make a cream of mushroom soup

Ok, add some leftover chicken if you must! Throw in some English peas and carrots, top with pie crust and you've got a potpie ready to bake.

Get creative and use this as you would any white sauce...manga!        

(Thanks for the pics, Court!)