Chipotle Cashew Queso: Perfect for Grilling on the Arteflame
This Chipotle Cashew Queso is a creamy, dairy-free dip packed with smoky chipotle flavors. Made entirely on the Arteflame grill, it’s ideal for serving with grilled vegetables, tortilla chips, or even as a sauce for grilled meats. You’ll love the rich, velvety texture and the slight heat from the chipotle peppers!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for 4 hours)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Optional toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Grilled onions or peppers
Instructions:
1. Soak the Cashews
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for about 4 hours, or overnight for a creamier consistency.
- Drain and rinse the cashews before using.
2. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Light the Arteflame by pouring vegetable oil on three paper napkins, stacking firewood on top, and igniting the napkins.
- Wait 20 minutes for the grill to heat, allowing the flat griddle surface to reach the ideal temperature for cooking.
3. Blend the Cashew Queso
- On the flat cooktop griddle, melt the butter near the outer, cooler edge of the grill.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary.
4. Heat the Queso on the Arteflame
- Place a small, heat-proof dish (like a grill-safe cast iron pan) on the outer edge of the Arteflame's flat griddle.
- Pour the blended queso mixture into the dish and let it gently warm through on the griddle for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the queso from the grill and transfer to a serving dish.
- Top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and grilled onions or peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips, grilled vegetables, or drizzled over grilled meats.
Tips:
- For a smoother texture, blend the queso for an extra 1-2 minutes, adding water as needed.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle pepper.
- The queso will thicken as it cools, so feel free to add extra water or lime juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Conclusion:
This Chipotle Cashew Queso brings bold, smoky flavors to the table and is the perfect complement to your grilling experience. Easy to make on the Arteflame, it’s versatile, flavorful, and sure to impress!
Recipe Variations:
1. Spicy Jalapeño Queso
- Swap the chipotle pepper for 1-2 fresh or pickled jalapeños for a more direct heat.
2. Garlic Herb Cashew Queso
- Replace the chipotle with roasted garlic and add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a milder, herb-infused dip.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Queso
- Substitute the chipotle pepper with 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, savory twist.
4. Roasted Red Pepper Queso
- Replace the chipotle pepper with roasted red bell peppers for a sweet, smoky flavor profile.
5. Smoky Paprika & Chili Queso
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp chili powder to the queso for an extra smoky and slightly spicy variation.
Best Pairings:
- Grilled tortilla chips
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and onions)
- Grilled chicken or steak slices
- Corn on the cob
