How do you blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste?

Question

Learn how to blend soaked cashews into a silky, lump-free paste for gravies.

Answer 1

To blend soaked cashews into a smooth paste, use a high-speed blender, add just enough water to facilitate blending, and blend in short bursts, scraping down the sides as needed until completely smooth.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating a smooth cashew paste requires a bit of patience and the right technique. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Soaking the Cashews: Soak raw, unsalted cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator. Soaking softens the cashews, making them easier to blend into a smooth paste. Drain the cashews thoroughly before blending.

2. Choosing Your Blender: A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) will produce the smoothest results. However, a regular blender can also work, it might just take a little longer and require more scraping.

3. Adding Water: Start with a small amount of fresh, cold water – about 1-2 tablespoons for every cup of soaked cashews. Add more water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, only if needed to keep the mixture moving. The goal is to use as little water as possible to achieve a smooth consistency. Too much water will result in a runny paste.

4. Blending in Bursts: Blend the cashews in short bursts (15-20 seconds each), rather than continuously. This prevents the blender from overheating and allows you to scrape down the sides of the blender jar as needed. Use a spatula to push the cashew mixture back down towards the blades.

5. Scraping and Repeating: After each blending burst, stop the blender and scrape down the sides. This ensures that all the cashew pieces are incorporated and blended evenly. Repeat the blending and scraping process until the paste is completely smooth and creamy. This may take several minutes, depending on your blender.

6. Checking the Consistency: The final cashew paste should be smooth, creamy, and free of any gritty pieces. If it's still grainy, continue blending, adding a tiny bit more water if necessary.

Pro Tip:

If your blender is struggling, try adding a tablespoon of neutral-tasting oil, like avocado or grapeseed oil. The oil can help the cashews emulsify and blend more easily, resulting in a smoother paste. However, be mindful of the added fat content if you're using the paste in a recipe.