Best Vegan Cashew Gravy Recipes for Delicious Meals

If you’re searching for a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious vegan gravy to elevate your plant-based meals, you’ve come to the right place. Cashew-based gravies have become a staple in vegan kitchens due to their smooth texture and ability to absorb bold flavors beautifully.

Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or vegan biscuits, this gravy will add a luxurious touch that everyone can enjoy. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best vegan cashew gravy recipes, each with unique flavor profiles and simple preparation methods.

Get ready to transform your meals with these comforting and versatile gravies that prove vegan cooking can be indulgently satisfying!

From classic herb-infused gravy to spicy and smoky variations, these cashew gravies are packed with wholesome ingredients and no artificial additives. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday feasts or everyday dinners.

Let’s explore why cashew gravy deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cashew gravy is a game-changer for vegan cooking. Its creamy base mimics traditional dairy gravies without the use of butter or cream, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Here’s why you’ll adore these recipes:

• Rich and creamy texture: Cashews blend into a silky smooth base that coats your dishes beautifully.
• Customizable flavors: From savory herb blends to zesty and smoky options, there’s a gravy for every palate.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up a batch.
• Perfect for special occasions: Impress family and friends with a vegan gravy that feels indulgent and festive.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free if desired)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten flavors)
• Water, as needed for thinning

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Medium saucepan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra smooth gravy)

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews: Place 1 cup of raw cashews in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for a creamier texture.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in dried thyme, dried sage, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Blend the cashew mixture: Drain the soaked cashews and place them in your blender. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, nutritional yeast, tamari or soy sauce, and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth. Add water a tablespoon at a time if the gravy is too thick.
5. Simmer the gravy: Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If the gravy is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or vegetable broth.
7. Serve warm: Pour over your favorite dishes and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For an even silkier gravy, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve before simmering.”

• Make it mushroom gravy: Sauté 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
• Add fresh herbs: Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to give your gravy a subtle heat.
• Use miso paste: For an umami boost, add 1 teaspoon of white miso paste during blending.
• Storage: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cashew gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider these ideas to make a complete meal:

• Drizzle over mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a classic comfort food combo.
• Pour onto steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans.
• Use as a sauce for vegan biscuits or scones for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Serve alongside vegan meatloaf or lentil loaf for a traditional holiday feast.
• Mix into cooked grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, for a savory boost.

For more comforting vegan dishes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes and Julie Marie Eats Recipes.

Best Vegan Cashew Gravy Recipes

Classic Herb Cashew Gravy

A simple, herbaceous gravy that highlights the natural creaminess of cashews with traditional flavors.

• Ingredients: Soaked cashews, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, thyme, sage, nutritional yeast, tamari, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Method: Follow the instructions above for basic preparation.

Mushroom Cashew Gravy

This savory mushroom cashew gravy adds deep umami flavor, perfect for hearty meals.

• Additional ingredients: 1 cup finely chopped cremini or button mushrooms.
• Modification: Sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic until browned before blending.

Smoky Chipotle Cashew Gravy

For those who love a little heat and smokiness, this gravy is a winner.

• Additional ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• Method: Add spices with the dried herbs and adjust the heat according to taste.

Miso Cashew Gravy

With added miso paste, this gravy boasts rich umami and a slightly tangy depth.

• Additional ingredients: 1 teaspoon white miso paste.
• Method: Stir the miso paste into the gravy after blending and heat gently.

For more creative vegan recipes, explore the Magic Dough Recipe or try the Kaju Mushroom Recipe for a nutty mushroom delight.

Conclusion

Vegan cashew gravy is a delicious and healthful alternative to traditional gravies, offering a velvety texture and depth of flavor that will satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. These recipes are easy to customize, making them perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts.

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a savory gravy that complements a wide variety of dishes and adds a comforting touch to your meals. Give these recipes a try and discover how cashew gravy can become your new go-to sauce for elevating plant-based dining.

Don’t forget to browse other tasty recipes like the Marzipan Challah Recipe or the Kosher Lasagna Recipe to round out your cooking repertoire!

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