No-Cheese Sauce

I found this WONDERFUL recipe in Forks Over Knives the Cookbook.  You can use this with so many other dishes when you are not wanting to eat dairy.

Comments from the book:  This LOW-FAT SAUCE makes great Mac and "Cheese" or Baked Ziti.  Best of all, it only takes about 5 minutes to put together.  It may seem as though this recipe will not work in a blender, but with a little patience (or a Vitamix) it does.  if your onions are strong, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, or saute them over medium heat for about 5 minutes before adding them to the blender.

MAKES ABOUT 2 1/2 CUPS

1 large yellow onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 large red bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons cashews, (toasted optional)

1 tablespoon tahini (optional)

1 cup nutritional yeast

Combine all ingredients in a blender in the order given and puree until smooth and creamy, adding up to 1/2 cup of water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.

VARIATIONS

• Use an equal amount of roasted red bell peppers in place of the raw pepper.
• Combine the prepared sauce with a jar of fresh salsa, and use it as a dip for vegetables.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg with the salt.

My Notes - I make this recipe just as it is directed (do not roast the cashews and do add the tahini).  I have never tried the variations.

Enjoy!