Characteristics

Try something new in your kitchen by incorporating the wonderful aroma and flavor of sumac that comes from the berry of edible sumac plants. As part of this recipe, it offers a deliciously tangy and richly creamy, versatile sauce that can also be used as a spread or a dip. This sauce can enrich any meal, whether it be used for a creamy pasta dish or a side to your raw vegetables. It is an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber, as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

TYPE: Sauce, Dip, Spread
PREP TIME: < 5 mins
SERVINGS: makes about 3/4 to 1 cup

Uses:

  • pasta dishes
  • veggies patties / burgers (use as a dip or spread)
  • dip for raw vegetables and/or crackers
  • salad dressing
  • spread for wholesome wraps or sandwiches or raw pizzas
  • creamy topping for steamed vegetables (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, string beans, etc.)
  • creamy sauce for rice/veggie/tofu/tempeh dishes
  • sauce for any meal

Characteristics:

  • 100% Plant-based (Vegan)
  • Raw
  • Gluten-free
  • Wheat-free
  • Grain-free
  • Soy-free
  • Corn-free
  • Peanut-free
  • Oil-free
  • Refined Sugar-free

Goodies Needed

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds (organic)
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews (organic)
  • 1 lemon, juice squeezed (organic)
  • 1 - 2 cloves of garlic (organic)
  • 1 tsp ground sumac (organic)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (organic)
  • 1/4 tsp unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt
  • +/- 1/4 - 1/2 cup water (depending on desired consistency)

TOOLS:

Preparation Steps

  1. You can pre-soak your cashews and sunflower seeds for 2 to 4 hours prior to making this sauce for an increased creaminess and density factor, or simply use them dry as is.
  2. Place all of the desired ingredients into a high-powered blender and mix until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. (A crumbly or more textured consistency may also be desired, if using this as a spread.)
  3. With the help of a spatula, remove all of the sauce from the blender, either directly into your meal or into a dish, either for storage or dipping purposes. Enjoy.

Tips

  • Adjust your water quantity to meet your needs; use less water to make this into a dip or spread, and more water to make this into a sauce. You can even make it very runny for use as a salad dressing.
  • Adjust spice levels and garlic to meet your personal preferences.
  • Sumac spice can be found in many ethnic food stores, as well as online stores

Meal Nutritional Benefits

Cashew Nuts:

  • good source of (in descending order): copper, magnesium, tryptophan and phosphorus
  • Rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fats, especially oleic acid like olive oil
  • Promote good cardiovascular health, lower risk of coronary heart disease, promote healthy bone development, reduce risk of colon cancer, promote healthy blood vessels and joints and help prevent gallstones
  • Lower risk of weight gain when consumed on a regular basis
  • for more information, visit the cashews detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Sunflower Seeds:

  • Good source of (in descending order): vitamin E, vitamin B1, manganese, copper, tryptophan, magnesium, selenium, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and folate
  • helps prevent cardiovascular disease, helps lower cholesterol, helps prevent cancers with its powerful free radical fighters
  • enhances healthy nervous system and enhances proper detoxification
  • for more information, visit the sunflower seed detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Lemons:

  • provide phytonutrients and antioxidants, with antibiotic activity
  • a source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C
  • highly alkalizing
  • protect against cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, support the immune system and promote and enhance optimal health in many areas
  • for more information, visit the lemons/limes detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Garlic:

  • provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity
  • a source of vitamins and minerals, especially manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin B1
  • provides numerous cardiovascular benefits including: helping prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease, reducing risk of heart attack or stroke, and inhibiting coronary artery calcification
  • protects against cancer and infections, and promotes healthy weight and optimal health
  • for more information, visit the garlic detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Sumac:

  • a source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C
  • a source of phytonutrients, especially polyphenols, anthocyanins and other flavonoids
  • exceptionally high in antioxidants
  • provides anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial benefits
  • supports optimal health and immune function, and offers protection against cancers
  • supports optimal cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as cardiovascular health
  • for more information, visit the sumac overview on HealthWithFood.org

Cayenne/Chili Pepper:

  • provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects
  • a source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin K, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, and B vitamins
  • offers pain-reducing effects, cardiovascular benefits, helps prevent stomach ulcers and effectively opens and drains congested nasal passages
  • boosts immunity, enhances cardiovascular health, helps regulate weight, and supports overall health
  • for more information, visit the cayenne/chili pepper detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Unrefined Sea Salt or Himalayan Salt:

  • naturally occurring complex of sodium chloride, which includes major minerals such as calcium and magnesium and a complete complement of essential trace minerals
  • alkalizing to maintain proper acid/alkaline body balance
  • has helped to promote optimal health in civilizations for centuries