Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 3/4 cup (108g) raw cashews (SEE NOTES)
  • 3/4 cup (180g) salsa (I used Trader Joes medium heat, this makes it spicy, if you don't want it too spicy, use a mild salsa)
  • 3/4 cup (180g) water
  • 6 tablespoons (36g) nutritional yeast (I highly recommend this Sari brand, it is non-fortified with much better taste.)
  • 1-3 teaspoons ground cumin (to preferred taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon + 1/16 teaspoon salt
  • I use this scale.

Instruction

  • First, you will need to soak your cashews if you don't have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix. Soak the cashews in a bowl filled with water overnight or 8 hours, drain and rinse and proceed.
  • Starting with just 1 teaspoon cumin, add everything to your blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add any more salt if desired. I found the amount to be just perfect, based on the acidity that came from my salsa, but you may need to adjust.
  • Add the sauce to a small pot and turn the heat to low. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until it's thickened up some. You will notice it thickening. Whisk occasionally along the sides, so it doesn't stick too much. Don't really walk away while cooking it, as it cooks quickly. Don't worry if it sticks a little, you can always smooth it back out. It's important to cook it on low heat because if it's too high, the cheese will get too thick and turn crusty. About 5 minutes should do it.
  • The tahini version will take a bit longer to thicken up. The color will darken some after cooking, to a more true cheesy color. Pour in a serving bowl and give it a good stir to smooth out. Pour extra salsa on top if using as a dip, if desired. Mine was spicy, so if yours is mild, it's a great idea to add a little extra salsa on top and it not be too hot. Serve immediately with chips, over tacos, burritos, etc.
  • Store in the fridge. It will thicken as it sits in the fridge, so give it a good stir and thin out a little with water if desired (mine didn't need it), but it stays really creamy and smooth. Reheat on low.