Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream
A vibrant dip with North African warmth, perfect for vegetable crudités or pita bread. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (dairy-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs raw cashews, water, harissa paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1 cup raw cashews in 2 cups water for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Drain cashews, then add to a blender with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 garlic clove, and 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.
- Step 3: Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed, until the texture resembles thick cream.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (35 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep raw cashews from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Harissa-Spiced Cashew Cream dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing recipe! The harissa really elevates the cashew cream. Perfect for my veggie wraps.
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my family and they all loved it. The cashew cream was a hit at dinner.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to for dipping! So creamy and the harissa spice is perfect.
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