healthy nachos is not an oxymoron
when you’ve embraced a life of health and fitness, it inevitably comes with restrictions and denying ourselves some classic favorites. or so we tell ourselves. the truth is a healthy eating routine is much more diverse and flavor packed than when we limit our foods to the classic combinations.
all nachos start with a base of greasy, fried, often corn filled chips. not these! now your nachos pack a protein wallop, a good dose of fiber and stay within your soy-free, gluten-free, organic, vegan lifestyle! if you like a good spicy kick in your nachos stack a plate high with i won organics sriracha flavored chips. if that’s too much of a kick, then mix them with some sea salt or ranch flavored chips or go with all sea salt chips to cut the spice and save it for the fresh jalapenos on top!
next concern with nachos is of course the cheese. if you feel adventurous, you can whip up a vegan cheese spread, and it’s actually much easier than you think. if nuts are good with your system, then a cashew cheese is the way to go. the key to a successful cashew cheese sauce is presoaking the cashews for a couple hours or even overnight if you plan ahead and a good amount of nutritional yeast. anything else in the recipe is going to be based on your flavor preferences. personal favorites are recipes which include garlic, dry mustard and a sprinkle of paprika. if you really want that yellow color, you can add in a pinch of turmeric!
if cashew cheese is the reason you’ve given up on nachos, don’t despair! after much searching, there is a cheese sauce that may excite you! search for an alternative with eggplant as the base. nutritional yeast is still brought in for its cheesy flavor and some garlic, cumin and chili powder for kick!
luckily, we also have store versions of vegan cheese available at most organic, vegan friendly markets! if this is more your style pick your favorite and have at it. if shredding and melting, no worries! place that big pile of chips on a baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet and bake your cheese until melted!
this is where your imagination is the limit. think veggies! diced red or green bell peppers, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, shredded purple cabbage, canned whole black beans, shredded carrot, black olives, cilantro, green onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted artichoke, roasted or pickled beets, basil, the list is truly endless! a quick jar of chunky salsa and voila you’re done!
nachos no longer need to be a thing of the past. whip up a big batch next time you’re craving delicious, spicy, savory, crunchy, tangy comfort food.
