Prime 5 Methods to Use Cashews

Be taught all concerning the well being advantages of cashews, in addition to prepare dinner with them with these high 5 recommendations on use cashews within the kitchen.

Cashews, although generally known as nuts, are literally botanically thought of seeds! These versatile, protein-packed sources of vitamins are initially native to Brazil, however are grown in heat climates all over the world at present. In actual fact, I’ve seen cashew bushes rising in a couple of tropical places I’ve visited (pictured beneath). Cashew bushes produce fruits which might be formed like boxing gloves, and every of those fruits maintain a single cashew nut inside a protecting—and toxic—outer shell. The cashews have to be processed fastidiously and roasted or steamed earlier than consuming to keep away from ingesting the outer shell. Apparently, the shell’s toxin is expounded to urushiol, the allergenic oil present in poison ivy.

The cashew fruit, which is a reddish yellow shade (proven above the cashew nut), may be eaten in a lot of methods: recent, cooked in curries, used to make jam, or fermented into vinegar and alcohol. It can be used to make a candy fruit drink that’s fashionable in Brazil and different cultures.

The cashew nut, the star of the present, is a tasty supply of wholesome fat, protein, and dietary minerals, together with iron, copper, magnesium, and several other B nutritional vitamins. One serving of cashews, which is about 18 nuts, or sufficient to slot in the palm of your hand, has solely 157 energy and fewer than 9 grams of carbohydrates. One serving additionally gives 5 grams of protein, 12 grams of fats and 1 gram of fiber, that are each essential for a nutritious diet! 

One research discovered that incorporating cashews into the weight-reduction plan decreased LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also called “unhealthy” ldl cholesterol, and a distinct research discovered that consuming cashews raised HDL, or “good” ldl cholesterol. In all, cashews aren’t solely an incredible supply of macronutrients and micronutrients, however are additionally a tasty and heart-healthy snack.

One other nice aspect of cashews is their performance and flexibility in plant-based consuming. They’re important in a plant-powered kitchen, as a result of they are often whipped into creamy dairy replacements, in addition to toasted into a wide range of dishes that match into each meal and class! Take a look at these Prime 5 Methods to Use Cashews!

1. Combine into Your Path Combine. Heading out on a hike or taking a protracted highway journey? Strive making path combine with roasted cashews, dried fruit, and different nuts like almonds and peanuts. You can too add home made granola for a style of sweetness—this granola recipe has a scrumptious mix of pumpkin seeds, coconut, raisins, hazelnuts, blueberries, and lavender that will fit your cashew path combine mix. 

2. Make a Glass of Cashew Milk. Out of almond or soy milk, however want one thing to your cereal? To make cashew milk, all you want to do is soak some cashews in a single day and mix them up! You’ll get a creamy, tasty beverage that’s excellent for espresso or cereal, or you should use it to make this spring-inspired natural Lavender Chai Latte.

3. Whip up Some Cashew Parmesan! If pasta dishes are a staple in your home, you positively ought to have a jar of shakeable Cashew Parmesan readily available. This recipe solely has three elements (cashews, dietary yeast, and salt) and takes just a few minutes to organize. Better of all, it tastes similar to shredded Parmesan, so you possibly can sprinkle it on something, from spaghetti to pizza!

4. Add to your Stir-Fry or Curry. Cashews are generally utilized in Southeast Asian cuisines and may be blended right into a curry or added on to a stir-fry for a nutty, savory taste. Strive roasting them beforehand for much more of a crispy texture. They’re additionally an incredible protein supply, so add them alongside tofu or tempeh on this stir-fry recipe for a protein-packed dish!

5. Mix up Cashew Cream. This versatile addition to your plant-based cooking routine simply can’t be beat. Cashew cream may be added to savory dishes, corresponding to lasagna, sauces, tacos, and salads, in addition to desserts like puddings, tarts, and truffles. Learn to make cashew cream in this step-by-step information.

You’ll go nuts for these different recipes that embody cashews:

Caramelized Cipollini Onions and Mushrooms with Pasta and Thyme Cashew Parmesan
Lentil Patties with Basil Arugula Cashew Cream
“Cheddar” Cashew Cheese

For different guides on use plant meals, take a look at the next:

Prime 5 Methods to Use Candy Potatoes
Prime 5 Methods to Use Blackberries
Prime 5 Methods to Use Avocados
Prime 5 Methods to Use Romanesco

Written by Kathryn Atkinson, dietetic intern with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN

Pictures by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN