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Vegan Nachos with Cashew “Cheese”

Vegan Nachos with Cashew “Cheese”

Amy
These Vegan Nachos with Cashew “Cheese” are a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite, ready in just 40 minutes. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas or tortilla chips
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 lime, for squeezing
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • ½ cup diced white onion
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ jalapeño, chopped
  • 2-3 scallions, chopped
  • Black beans, as desired
  • Sea salt
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For the cashew cheese (makes 1.5 cups)

  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • cups water, divided
  • 2 tablespoons agar (flakes or powder)
  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • Sea salt

For the taco "meat"

  • ½ cup textured vegetable protein granules (TVP)
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Pinch garlic powder
  • Pinch onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the corn tortillas into quarters and spread them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Sprinkle with salt, drizzle with olive oil, and toast them in the oven until crispy. Alternatively, use tortilla chips.
  • Make the cashew cheese: Soak the cashews in 1 cup water and set aside. Combine the agar and the remaining ¼ cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens. Put the cashews and soaking water, tahini, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice in a blender and puree. Add the agar mixture and blend for 3-5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Salt to taste, and refrigerate the “cheese” while you assemble the rest of the nachos, allowing it to thicken while it rests.
  • Make the taco "meat": Combine the TVP, ½ cup water, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Make a quick guacamole by mashing the avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt.
  • In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño with a squeeze of lime to make a pico de gallo. Salt to taste. (Store-bought pico works here too.)
  • Assemble the nachos with the corn tortillas, cashew cheese, taco meat, quick guacamole, pico, scallions, and black beans.
Keyword cashew cheese, dairy-free nachos, healthy vegan snacks, plant-based recipes, vegan nachos
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