GOURMET CASHEW MOUSSE

GOURMET CASHEW MOUSSE

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups raw cashew nuts type W1

• 9 cups of filtered water

• ¼ teaspoon vegan mesophilic culture or 3 probiotic capsules (Lactobacillus Acidophilus)

• Salt to taste or Miso

To prepare this recipe, the first step is to hydrate the chestnuts. Place the chestnuts in a bowl and cover with five cups of water. Let them soak for 10 hours — this time is essential for them to become soft and easier to process.

After this period, drain the water completely and proceed to the sterilization stage. To do this, cover the chestnuts with two cups of boiling water, let it sit for about three minutes and discard the water.

Now, it’s time to turn everything into a velvety mousse. In a blender, add the nuts, salt (or miso), and the powder from the probiotic capsules (don’t forget to discard the gelatin capsule) and 150 ml of water and blend until you get a smooth and homogeneous texture. During the process, scrape the sides with a spatula to ensure that everything is well incorporated. This step requires patience, as it can take 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.

Transfer the mixture to a glass container – it is essential to avoid using other materials, as they can interfere with the fermentation process. To prevent a crust from forming on the surface, cover the mousse directly with plastic wrap. Then, wrap the container with a tea towel and let it rest inside a kitchen cupboard for 24 hours.

After this time, the mousse should be slightly sour, with a pleasant flavor and slightly airy. Since the weather can influence the fermentation, it is important to monitor the process and adjust the time if necessary.

This base is practical and versatile for a variety of savory dishes – I love having it on hand in the fridge! Especially when I’m hungry and don’t feel like cooking. A sandwich with this mousse, sun-dried tomatoes and grilled vegetables is synonymous with perfection.

Tips:

• Miso is a fermented soybean paste widely used in Japanese cuisine. It is an excellent ingredient for enhancing the flavor of recipes. I love using it to add a more elaborate touch to dishes!

• The probiotic can be the same one we use as a supplement, and usually contains other bacteria in addition to Lactobacillus acidophilus . When I am without the mesophilic culture I usually use NOW's Probiotic-10 25 Billion .