Two Vegan Cheese Sauces

Umami “Cheese” Sauce

©JLFields

Ingredients

  • 1
    medium sweet potato, rinsed, skin on
  • 2
    cups
    raw cashews
  • 2
    tablespoons
    white or yellow miso
  • 1/2
    cup
    nutritional yeast
  • 1
    teaspoon
    chipotle powder
  • 1
    teaspoon
    smoked paprika
  • 1/2
    teaspoon
    turmeric
  • 1/2
    teaspoon
    garlic powder
  • 1/2
    teaspoon
    cumin
  • 1
    cup
    warm water
  • 1
    tablespoon
    olive oil (or water)

Instructions

  1. Dice the sweet potato into cubes (about eight pieces). Put them in a pot and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, and gently mash with a fork or potato masher. This should make about 1/2 cup (110 g) mashed sweet potatoes. Set aside.
  2. Add the cashews to a blender or food processor. Transfer the potatoes from the pot to the blender. Add the miso, nutritional yeast, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin, and water. Begin blending to reach a consistency that is easy to pour but still slightly thick. Add oil (or water) as needed to achieve that consistency. Use immediately. Any left over can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cheesy Chickpea Sauce

©JLFields

Ingredients

  • 1
    small sweet potato, rinsed, skin on
  • 1
    15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼
    cup
    nutritional yeast
  • 2
    tablespoons
    miso paste
  • 1
    teaspoon
    ground turmeric
  • 1/2
    teaspoon
    salt
  • 1
    tablespoon
    rice vinegar
  • Vegetable Broth
    as needed

Instructions

  1. Fill a large saucepan with about 1 inch of water, insert a steamer basket, and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium-high and place the sweet potato in the steamer. Cover and steam for 12 to 15 minutes, until the potato is tender. Set the sweet potato aside until cool enough to handle, then remove and discard the skin.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the flesh of the sweet potato, chickpeas, nutritional yeast, miso, turmeric, umami blend, and vinegar and purée until smooth. While blending, slowly add broth until the sauce is easy to pour but still thick.
  3. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan with just a little water to thin it out before using.

Photo: From JL’s cooking series Prep Your Vegan Week (Lesson 3) on Roundglass.