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A bowl of rich and creamy vegan chickpea sauce, perfect for a plant-based meal.

Classic Creamy Vegan Chickpea Sauce

This versatile and flavorful sauce is made from chickpeas, nutritional yeast, and fresh lemon juice, creating a velvety smooth texture perfect for a variety of dishes. It's a quick and easy vegan option that adds a creamy touch to any meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • High-speed blender
  • Small saucepan (optional)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 0.5 cup Water (or vegetable broth for richer flavor)
  • 0.25 cup Nutritional Yeast
  • 2 cloves Garlic roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Tahini optional, for extra creaminess and depth
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper optional, for a subtle kick

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly, then roughly chop the garlic cloves to prepare them for blending.
  • Add the drained chickpeas, water (or broth), nutritional yeast, chopped garlic, lemon juice, tahini (if using), salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) into a high-speed blender.

Blending & Adjusting

  • Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more water or vegetable broth, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until your desired thickness is achieved.

Finishing Touches

  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired, adding more garlic or nutritional yeast for a bolder flavor.
  • Serve the sauce immediately, or gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat if you prefer it warm.

Notes

This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It thickens as it cools, so you might need to add a splash of water or broth and re-blend or whisk to achieve the desired consistency before serving. Delicious with pasta, roasted vegetables, or as a dip!