Ingredients for 1 bowl:
- 200 g cashew nuts (pieces)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons psyllium husks (optional)
- 50 - 70 g xylitol/birch sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Water as needed
Preparation:
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Prepare the Cashews: Soak the cashew nuts for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in water to soften them and make blending into a smooth cream easier.
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Blend: Drain the soaked cashew nuts and add them to a high-speed blender with fresh water. Use just enough water to achieve a creamy consistency without making the cream too liquid.
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Add Flavors: Add the juice of half a lemon. Vanilla powder, xylitol/birch sugar, and a pinch of salt can also be added to adjust the flavor and sweetness to your liking. These ingredients are optional and can be omitted or adjusted based on personal preference.
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Optional Thickening: If you choose to use psyllium husks, add them now. Psyllium husks are not strictly necessary but they help thicken the cream and improve its consistency. They also offer health benefits such as supporting healthy digestion.
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Rest: Allow the mixture to rest for about 20 minutes to thicken further, especially if psyllium husks were used. Even without psyllium husks, resting the cream in the refrigerator can help it firm up a bit.
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Fine-tune and Chill: After resting, check the consistency and taste of the cream. Adjust the sweetness or flavor if needed. For a firmer consistency without psyllium husks, you might want to leave the cream in the refrigerator longer.
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Use: The vegan cashew cream is versatile - use it as a base for desserts, a topping for fruit salads or cereals, or as a vegan alternative to cream in various dishes.
Insight on Psyllium Husks: Psyllium husks, optional in this recipe, are a natural, fiber-rich addition that not only thickens the cream but is also health-beneficial. They absorb liquid and swell, leading to an improved texture of the cream. Besides thickening, psyllium husks also support healthy digestion and can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Omitting them still results in a delicious cream, albeit with a slightly different texture.
Tip for an Extra Smooth Cream: For an especially fine consistency, you can strain the finished cashew cream through a fine mesh sieve or cloth to remove any particles.
This base recipe allows you to create a delicious vegan cashew cream tailored to your personal taste preferences.