Vegan Queso
User Reviews
5
Vegan Queso
Description
This Vegan Queso recipe combines soaked or raw cashew nuts with steamed sweet potatoes to produce a smooth and creamy base. The blending of nutritional yeast, garlic, and spices like chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cumin delivers a well-rounded, subtly spicy flavor profile. The addition of green chilis gives a mild heat, balanced further by kosher salt and apple cider vinegar for a slight tang. The queso can be served with tortilla chips or raw vegetables or drizzled over favored dishes to enhance their taste and texture.
The steaming of the sweet potato until fork-tender contributes a naturally sweet undertone and thick texture, while the use of nutritional yeast imparts a cheesy depth. The recipe suggests using a powerful blender to achieve the best consistency, though soaking the cashews beforehand is recommended if the blender is less powerful.
Optional garnishes like fresh jalapeño slices, paprika, and cilantro provide color and additional flavor contrasts, ideally complementing the smooth queso. This recipe offers a plant-based alternative for those who prefer or require dairy-free options without compromising on creamy texture or taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts raw
- 1 cup sweet potato peeled and chopped into 1” cubes
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- 1 large garlic clove
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 oz can green chile mild
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- cayenne pepper optional
- jalapeño for garnish (optional, slices and dash of, fresh
- paprika
- cilantro
Instructions
- If you haven’t done so already, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into cubes. Add to steamer basket (I used my Always pan), cover and let steam for about 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- Once sweet potatoes are tender, add to blender along with cashews, water, garlic, nutritional yeast, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, green chilis, salt, apple cider vinegar and cayenne, if using. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding any additional salt or water as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with an assortment of raw vegetables and tortilla chips or drizzle over your favorite dish.
Notes
- If you don’t have a high-speed blender, soak cashews for 2 to 4 hours before blending for better creaminess.
- Adjust salt and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences for desired seasoning and heat levels.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a dip, sauce, or topping with chips, vegetables, or dishes of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 85 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 cup | |
| Calories | 85kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 344mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 139mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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