Description
This homemade vegan yogurt recipe is a creamy, cultured dairy-free alternative made from soaked cashews and probiotic capsules. It's easy to prepare using a blender and a warm environment for fermenting, resulting in a tangy, thick yogurt that can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings. Perfect for those seeking a plant-based, probiotic-rich snack or ingredient.
Ingredients
Cashew Yogurt Base
- 2 cups cashews (soaked overnight)
- 1 ½ cups clean filtered water
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- pinch of sea salt
Fermentation
- 3 probiotic capsules (approximately 1.26 grams of probiotic powder, or ½ teaspoon, like JustThrive capsules)
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: Rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly under running water to remove any residue from soaking.
- Blend Ingredients: In a high-powered blender, combine the rinsed cashews, apple cider vinegar, filtered water, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Add Probiotics: Pour the blended cashew mixture into a very clean and dry glass bowl or tall jar. Carefully open the probiotic capsules and sprinkle the powder into the mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly with a wooden or silicone spoon for about 2 minutes, ensuring the probiotics are fully incorporated.
- Ferment the Yogurt: Cover the bowl or jar with cheesecloth or a clean, dry paper towel, securing it with a rubber band. Place it in a warm, dry spot to ferment undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. In tropical climates, room temperature is sufficient; otherwise, place it inside an oven with the light on and the oven turned off to maintain warmth without heat.
- Check Thickness: After fermentation, the yogurt should have a slight tangy aroma and a thicker texture. Stir it gently to combine. It's normal to hear some carbonation from the fermenting process at this stage.
- Refrigerate: Cover the fermenting container tightly or transfer the yogurt to a clean jar, then refrigerate. The yogurt will further thicken as it chills and is ready to consume.
- Optional Thickening: For thicker or Greek-style yogurt, strain the cashew yogurt through cheesecloth, paper towel, or a fine mesh colander for about 30 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- Serve: Enjoy your vegan yogurt plain or with toppings like maple syrup, vanilla extract, and fresh fruits for added flavor.
Notes
- The thickness and taste of the yogurt depend on fermentation time and the probiotic strain used. Experiment within 24-48 hours for desired tanginess.
- If the environment is cooler, fermenting may take closer to 48 hours for proper culturing.
- Use only quality probiotic capsules that do not contain prebiotics or fillers for best results.
- This yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Straining is optional but recommended if you prefer a Greek yogurt consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (fermentation time: 24-48 hours)
- Category: Dairy-Free Yogurt
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan / Plant-Based