Cashews provide an incredibly creamy base for this tasty spread, and they are definitely the nut of choice, but if you don’t have them, or you’d prefer to try it with a nut that’s not quite so pricy, feel free to try the same recipe with almonds or sunflower seeds.
Because almonds are harder than cashews, they do tend to require some soaking; perhaps for a few hours, or even overnight if you have that much preparation time… Cashews, on the other hand, as well as being (in this case) the best nut for taste and texture, don’t require any soaking at all. (15 minutes of soaking helps cashews to blend more easily, but any more causes them to begin to lose flavor.)
Once the paté is prepared and chilled, you can serve it in a wrap with vegan mayo and some fresh salad or sprouts, or just spread it on crackers or fresh bread… You can even eat it on its own as part of a salad plate.
Cashew Carrot Paté
serves 3–4
2–3 cloves garlic, diced
1 slice of sweet onion
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup cashews
sea salt, to taste
1/4 cup cold-pressed, organic oil (optional)
1. In a food processor, using the “S” shaped blade, blend the garlic, onion and carrots to a fine consistency.
2. Add cashews, and process along with the remaining ingredients. Stop periodically and scrape the sides with a rubber spatula. Continue to blend until creamy. Chill and serve.
Variations:
- Try using soaked almonds or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
- Replace the oil with a little water to help the ingredients blend together.
- Stir in a finely-chopped stalk of fresh celery.
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