If you’re looking for a light yet nourishing appetizer, this Cauliflower Spread with Vegan Cashew Mayo is a perfect choice. Combining the gentle flavor of steamed cauliflower with the creamy richness of cashew-based mayo, it makes for a wholesome, plant-based dish that’s both delicious and balancing for the body.
Prepared with sesame oil, mustard, lemon, and spices, the spread carries Ayurvedic qualities that can help balance the doshas when adapted thoughtfully. Spread it on your favorite bread and finish with fresh toppings like cucumber, tomatoes, olives, or herbs for a refreshing touch.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Cauliflower Spread with Vegan Cashew Mayo by Dosha
This dish is especially beneficial for those with a Vata constitution. Sesame oil brings warmth and grounding, while the creamy cashews add richness that helps balance dryness and irregularity. Together, these qualities make the spread calming, nourishing, and deeply restorative for Vata.
For Pitta types, cauliflower has a naturally cooling energy, making it gentle and suitable when prepared simply. As long as you avoid adding too many spicy or heating ingredients, the recipe can be Pitta-friendly. For an extra touch of cooling support, you can include fresh herbs such as basil, coriander, or mint.
When it comes to Kapha, cauliflower is nutritious but should be enjoyed in moderation. Because this dish is creamy and grounding, it may feel a bit heavy for Kapha. To adapt, you can replace the cashews with lighter options like almonds, sunflower seeds, or a blend of both. Pairing it with warming, dry spices also helps to keep Kapha in balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s vegan and plant-based, perfect for anyone seeking lighter yet nourishing spreads.
- It highlights Ayurvedic principles, making it easy to adjust for your dosha needs.
- It’s quick to prepare (around 30 minutes active time) and versatile—you can enjoy it as a spread, dip, or even as part of a mezze-style plate.
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Cauliflower Spread with Vegan Cashew Mayo
Ingredients
- 400 g cauliflower
- 150 g raw cashews
- 50 ml sesame oil (raw, for Ayurveda, or toasted for stronger flavor)
- 50-100 ml water (or unsweetened plant-based milk, as needed)
- 1 tsp mustard
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (or cumin, if preferred)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: finely chopped dill or parsley
- For topping: cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, olives, spring onion, or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in cold water overnight, or at least 30 minutes in lukewarm water.
- Clean and separate the cauliflower into florets. Steam them with a little water in a covered pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until tender. Let cool and chop into small pieces.
- Drain the cashews and place them in a blender or food processor with 50 ml water (or plant milk), sesame oil, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water or plant milk as needed to reach a mayo-like consistency.
- In a bowl, combine the cauliflower with the cashew mayo. Add caraway (or cumin) seeds, freshly ground pepper, and herbs if using. Mix well.
- Spread on your favorite bread and garnish with toppings such as tomatoes, cucumber, spring onion, or fresh herbs.
- Enjoy
Video
Notes
sesame oil, which is warming and oily—great for balancing Vata’s dry and light
qualities. The creamy cashews add richness and help soothe Vata’s tendency
toward dryness and irregularity. Overall, it’s likely to be calming and nourishing
for Vata. Pitta: Cauliflower is mildly cooling and gentle on Pitta. However, if the dish is
heavily spiced or contains too much heat, it might aggravate Pitta. But in a
simple, mild preparation, it should be Pitta-pacifying. Optionally, use some
cooling herbs like basil, coriander, or mint, according to your preference. Kapha: While cauliflower is nutritious and can be part of a balanced diet, it’s
best for Kapha types to consume it in moderation and prepare it in ways that
support their dosha balance. Including more dry, spicy, and warming foods
alongside cauliflower can help keep Kapha in check.
Replace cashew with almonds, sunflower seeds, or a mixture of both.
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