Imagine twirling your fork into a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce that's not only dairy-free but also incredibly delicious and nutritious. This Easy Vegan Alfredo Sauce will revolutionize your plant-based cooking, proving that you don't need heavy cream or cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a committed vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food solution!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Soak raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes prior to preparation. If you have a high-powered blender, you can skip soaking, but soaking ensures a smoother sauce.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves to help them blend more easily.
- Add the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender.
- Blend the ingredients on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to enhance the flavor profile.
- For a warm sauce, transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, steamed vegetables, or as a creamy sauce for other dishes.
Tips
- Soaking Matters: While a high-powered blender can help, soaking cashews ensures an ultra-smooth, creamy texture. If you're short on time, use hot water to speed up the process.
- Blend Like a Pro: Take your time blending to achieve that silky-smooth consistency. Don't rush - scrape down the sides and blend until completely creamy.
- Consistency is Key: Start with the recommended liquid and adjust gradually. If the sauce is too thick, add vegetable broth one tablespoon at a time.
- Flavor Boost: Nutritional yeast is your secret weapon for adding a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy. Don't skip it!
- Customize Your Sauce: Experiment with additional herbs like basil or thyme, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Storage Tip: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Gently reheat and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
