Making the perfect vegan nacho cheese sauce is easier than you might think! With the right combination of plant-based ingredients, you can create a delicious and creamy sauce that rivals the traditional dairy-based version. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

1. Gather your ingredients:
• 1 cup of raw cashews
• 1 cup of unsweetened plant milk (such as almond or soy milk)
• 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
2. Soak the cashews:

Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step helps to soften the cashews and makes them easier to blend.

3. Blend the ingredients:

Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

4. Cook the sauce:

Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

5. Adjust the seasoning:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, nutritional yeast, or spices to enhance the flavor.

6. Serve and enjoy:

Pour the vegan nacho cheese sauce over your favorite nachos, tacos, or any other dish that calls for a cheesy topping. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or chips. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapenos for added flavor and presentation.

Now you have a delicious vegan nacho cheese sauce that will impress even non-vegans! Enjoy!

Note: It's always a good idea to refer to specific recipes or resources for variations and additional tips. Here are a few recipe references you might find helpful:

• Minimalist Baker's Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
• Vegan Richa's Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe
• Nora Cooks' Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce