Vegan Crema Fresca AKA Vegan Crème Fraiche
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
8 Servings
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Calories
91 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
South American, French
Vegan Crema Fresca AKA Vegan Crème Fraiche
Description
Vegan Crema Fresca combines raw cashews soaked or blended raw with fresh lime juice, water, and sea salt to create a creamy spread resembling dairy crème fraîche. Starting with a high-speed blender helps achieve a smooth texture, but soaking the cashews in hot water first will soften them if a blender is less powerful. The lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor balancing the cashew's natural richness.
The resulting creamy sauce offers a plant-based option suitable for topping dishes like grilled corn, nachos, tacos, soups, chilies, or salads, providing moisture and a mild acidity that enhances flavors. It resembles traditional crema fresca in both texture and tang without dairy.
Storing the crema fresca chilled improves flavor and keeps it fresh. Leftovers can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or be frozen for up to 3 months. For nut-free versions, raw sunflower seeds or pepitas may be substituted with care to keep salt content similar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts raw
- ½-3/4 cup water I like half a cup plus 2 tablespoons, fresh
- ¼ cup lime juice approx. 1 large lime or 2 small
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender, like a Vitamix and process until smooth and creamy. Start with half a cup of water and add more 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached. (I find half a cup plus two tablespoons to be perfect.)
- Serve with corn on the cob, nachos, tacos, soups or chilis or over a salad.
Notes
- Soaking cashews in hot water for 30 minutes before blending softens them and helps achieve smoother texture if a high-speed blender is unavailable.
- Refrigerate the crema fresca before serving for best flavor, though it can be enjoyed immediately after making.
- Nut-free versions can use raw sunflower seeds or pepitas; use unsalted seeds or reduce added salt accordingly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 91cal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 148mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 115mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 6mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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