Skip to main content

Cashew Butter Sauce

A version of this sauce appeared in my first book, Vegetariana, and I’ve used it ever since. It’s one of the most luscious, versatile sauces in my repertoire—it tastes great on sweet potatoes (see Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Cashew Butter Sauce, page 209), mashed potatoes, grains, vegetables, and noodles.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 medium red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, finely diced
2 to 3 scallions, minced
1 cup finely diced tomato
1 tablespoon unbleached white flour
1 cup vegetable stock or water
1/2 cup cashew butter
1/2 teaspoon good-quality curry powder
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, optional
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the bell pepper and scallions and cook over medium-low heat until the pepper softens, about 4 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add the tomato and cook for 3 to 4 minutes longer, stirring, until it softens.

    Step 3

    Sprinkle in the flour and stir until well blended with the vegetables. Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

    Step 4

    Whisk in the cashew butter, then add the curry and optional ginger. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper. Serve at once or cover until needed, then heat through before serving.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 5

    (per 1/4 cup)

    Step 6

    Calories: 116

    Step 7

    Total Fat: 9g

    Step 8

    Protein: 3g

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 7g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 1g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 50mg

Reprinted with permission from Vegan Express: Featuring 160 Recipes for Quick, Delicious, and Healthy Meals by Nava Atlas. Copyright © 2008 by Nava Atlas. Excerpted by permission of Broadway, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Nava Atlas is the author of nine cookbooks, including The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, and Vegetarian Soups for All Seasons. She lives in the Hudson Valley region of New York with her husband and two teenage sons (all vegans).
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.