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Cheesy Vegan Pizza Beans Recipe

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This Cheesy Vegan Pizza Beans recipe offers a delicious and hearty plant-based meal ready in just 30 minutes. Creamy cashew cheese with a stretchy, cheesy texture pairs perfectly with savory white beans simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and garlic. Ideal for a comforting dinner served alongside vegan garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 ½ Tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesiness)
  • 2 Tbsp tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour, for stretchiness)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Bean Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans, drained and rinsed

To Serve

  • Freshly chopped basil
  • Vegan garlic bread

Instructions

  1. Soak Cashews: Add raw cashews to a heatproof bowl and cover them with hot water by 1-2 inches. Let soak while preparing the beans to soften them for the cheese sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large stainless steel or enameled cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add optional red pepper flakes and stir to release their flavor. Reduce heat if garlic cooks too quickly.
  3. Cook Bean Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup water, dried Italian herbs, optional maple syrup, and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add drained white beans. Mix everything evenly. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until beans are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
  4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Drain soaked cashews and add to a high-speed blender along with 2/3 cup water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, tapioca starch, and salt. Blend on high for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy with a milky texture. Set aside.
  5. Combine and Heat Cheese Sauce: When beans are tender, reduce heat to low. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the beans in the skillet. Cover and allow it to steam for 2-3 minutes to help the cheese firm up. For an optional finishing touch, place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is slightly browned and dry to the touch. Garnish with fresh basil.
  6. Serve: Serve the cheesy pizza beans warm alongside vegan garlic bread, sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  7. Store and Reheat: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Notes

  • Soaking the cashews with hot water helps create a silky smooth cheese sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat but are optional based on taste.
  • Tapioca starch is key to achieving a stretchy cheese texture.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a nice browned cheese finish.
  • Leftovers freeze well and make for quick meals later.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or toppings.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/cheesy-vegan-pizza-beans-recipe/