I tell you what’s the truth, my mother in law could whip up some tasty pimento cheese spread! I’d never had it until I met her. Wow. Was I missing out. It was so yummy, we could eat it by the spoonful. Until, that is, I realized dairy doesn’t make my body very happy once it’s passed the taste buds. Alas, the same can be said about ice cream for me. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s experienced that bloating, congested feeling after eating copious amounts of dairy.

Well, I got it my head that I could make pimento cheese without the cheese and the experimenting began. I’m a big believer in cook once, eat twice or thrice! That’s another reason this version is perfect for me. I cook a big pot of garbanzo beans and am able to make a couple of versions of hummus and have enough leftover for a soup or some other concoction. Score!

Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the rich, creamy flavor of pimento cheese, or shy away because of the dairy aspect; you are going to love this. Use it as a sandwich/wrap spread, on veggie sticks or crackers and let me know what you think!

Pimento ‘Cheese’ Hummus

 Ingredients

• 2/3 cup organic raw cashews ( I get mine here.)
• 2 cups cooked, drained garbanzo beans (chickpeas), divided
• 6 T chopped pimento (about 4 oz), drained, divided
• 4 T nutritional yeast
• 3 T fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp whole grain mustard
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (I don’t salt my garbanzos while cooking – alter if you do!)

Instructions

1. Place cashews in a small bowl and cover with water. Allow them to soak at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
2. Drain the cashews. Put a little more than half of them in the food processor along with 1 1/2 cups of the garbanzos, 4 T of pimento, and all the remaining ingredients.
3. Process until it’s as smooth as you can get it. Then add the remaining cashews and garbanzos and pulse about 10 times until garbanzos and cashews are broken but not completely smooth. Think texture here!
4. Check seasonings and adjust to your taste preferences. I’ve used a whole teaspoon of smoked paprika and really like it! Or maybe you like more heat and want to add extra cayenne. Get creative…
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of pimento. Refrigerate at least an hour to allow all the flavors to blend.

We are addicted! Let me know how you like it! 🙂