A celebratory, show-stopping vegetarian nut roulade, with cashew and hazel nuts. Full of flavour and colour. Delicious as a hot ‘roast’ and also served cold with chutney.
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Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast – the Best Nut Roast Ever!
Think nut roast is just for veggies? Think again! This Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast is simply the best and my favourite nut roast ever… I would eat it over a meat roast any day. Sure, the humble vegetarian nut roast has a poor reputation, but this recipe is full of personality and flavour and has swayed the minds of the most ardent meat-eaters.
I say this from experience. It has been fed to guests of all ages and from all backgrounds and dietary inclinations. I have delivered it to party tables and served it as Sunday lunch. The recipe has been requested over and over again and has been adopted by many friends to be recreated in their own kitchens.
Indeed, it is one of the most popular and most visited recipes on the Gluten Free Alchemist blog, and deservedly so.
Whilst I have no idea where the recipe for this savoury nut roulade actually originated, I have been eating it for about 30 years. Sadly, I cannot claim it as entirely my own, although I know that I have altered it slightly as the years have progressed. But if anyone out there recognises it, please let me know and I will happily give both credit and gratitude to its creation.
The rise of the Vegetarian Nut Roast
Although it is difficult to trace the firm origins of the vegetarian nut roast, it has been around for over a hundred years, at least. Back in 1908, two recipes for ‘nut cutlets’ appeared in a book called Vegetarian Cookery by Florence George. Just four years later, the Golden Rule Cookbook (Maud Sharpe) included a seasonal (Michaelmas Day) recipe for meat-free Michaelmas Loaf, roasted in the oven and served with gravy.
The nut roast has since grown in popularity with vegetarians and is now traditional veggie fare at celebratory meals (Christmas and Thanksgiving being most popular). And let’s face it, whilst a nut roast may not always be the most appealing dish to look at, nuts (with their incredibly nutritious qualities and high energy boost) make an admirable alternative to meat.
Of course, there is no such thing as a single vegetarian nut roast recipe. Made with any combination of nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, lentils, legumes and seasonings, each and every recipe is unique. There is a nut roast to suit every taste…
Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast – a queen amongst nut roast recipes
Although time consuming to make, this cashew roulade makes the best nut roast and is definitely worth the effort. It does not require a huge amount of skill (rolling is probably the trickiest bit), but sets itself apart as a true show-stopper. Other nut roasts rarely come close. Why?
A feast for the eyes
Well for a start, whilst vegetarian nut roasts are as varied as their creators, most of them look pretty much the same. Seriously! Google ‘nut roast images’ and you will find a gallery of largely brown blocks. Whilst I don’t dispute that most of them taste good, they are often unappealing and unexciting to look at.
Food (especially celebratory food) should look as good as it tastes. The best enjoyment comes when we can feast with our eyes as well as enjoy the aromas and flavours from the plate. Why settle for a brick of brown, when you can set your eyes and senses on the colourful, inviting swirls of the Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast?
Incredible contrasts of flavour and texture
This Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast also bursts with contrasts of flavour and texture. The fact that it has two distinct layers, each with a unique and complementary mix of ingredients, ensures a symphony of flavours on the tongue. Whilst I am sure many standard ‘block’ nut roasts also offer flavour and texture complexity, the lamination of this savoury roulade allows for unambiguous distinction.
A nut roast full of the most amazing ingredients, its base is a combination of cashews in the outer layer and hazelnuts in the stuffing. It is beautifully savoury and fragrant with the addition of a wonderful selection of Mediterranean herbs. It is richly cheesy with a goodly handful of sharp mature cheddar. The characteristic depth and nuttiness of the sesame is unmistakable and adds an almost oriental waft across the palate. And as a final treat, it has a hint of a sweet edge from the addition of a touch of honey and the sautéed, slightly caramelised veg.
The combination of flavours and textures is quite unique… The crisp baked outer coat encases a soft, nutty, cheesy under-layer, all twisted round a vibrant contrasting ribbon of honey-infused leak and carrot stuffing.
Can I make this Cashew Nut Roast in advance?
Most definitely yes! This is one of those dishes I make every year at Christmas… without fail. And I always make it days (and often weeks) ahead of time… Providing it is well wrapped, it can be frozen uncooked. Alternatively, you can leave it uncooked in the fridge for several days before roasting.
To counter the time that it takes to prepare, I generally make two cashew nut roasts at once. I figure if I’m going all out to make the best nut roast, it would be good to pop a spare in the freezer for another day. And because it is also fantastic cold, it is also perfect for taking on picnics and in packed lunches.
I confess, I have also enjoyed it way too many times for breakfast, grabbed straight from the fridge, held in hand and munched down without so much as a plate in sight. This is a vegetarian nut roast which is just perfect to scoff at Boxing day breakfast!
And it goes a long way. It will feed 10 to 12 people. If you are replacing for a hot ‘roast’, it is perfectly complemented with a tomato-based sauce and can be dressed up with baked fresh pineapple for a fruity twist. I personally love it ‘straight’ and cold as the centre-piece in a party buffet, served with a spicy chutney or tasty coleslaw.
Getting the Breadcrumbs Right (if you are gluten free)
Historically, I made this roast with usual wheat-based breadcrumbs. Since becoming a gluten-avoiding family however, I have made it with a number of different gluten free breads. In my experience, not all are equal. To get the best nut roast, I would advise using either a more moist homemade crumb. A good choice would be this gluten free Wholemeal Brown Bread recipe, my Fluffy Oat Bread, or this alternative Brown Bread recipe. If you use shop-bought gluten free bread (which tends to be drier and can make the roulade crumbly), add a little extra egg yolk to bind.
Whether making gluten free or not, this cashew nut roast recipe is a keeper. For those of you who venture to make it, I hope it brings many years and meals of enjoyment. As always I would love to know if you make it. If you do, snap a pic and tag me on social media. xx
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Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast
Key equipment
- grinder/blender
- grater
- measuring jug
- Kitchen scales
- Oven
- sharp knife
- measuring spoons
- vegetable peeler
- large saucepan
- large bowl
- wooden/silicone spoon
- baking parchment/paper
- fridge
- large baking sheet
Ingredients
Outer Roulade Layer
- 225 g raw cashew nuts finely ground
- 112 g fresh breadcrumbs gluten free if required
- 115 g mature cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried basil
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 large egg yolk
- 140 ml milk
Roulade Stuffing Layer
- 85 g hazelnuts de-skinned & coarsely ground
- 1 leek finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 170 g carrots peeled & grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp runny honey
To Decorate
- handful whole raw cashew nuts
Instructions
Stuffing (make first)
- Sauté the chopped leek with the oil in a large saucepan for about 5 minutes.
- Add the grated carrots and continue to cook for a further 15 minutes until the carrots are soft – stirring frequently.
- Add and stir in the ground hazelnuts, sesame seeds, sage, thyme and oregano, salt and pepper and honey.
- Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
Outer Roulade Layer
- In a large bowl, mix the ground cashew nuts with the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, basil and salt and pepper.
- Stir in the egg yolk and the milk until all the ingredients have blended and you have a thick, sticky mixture.
Rolling and Cooking
- Cut a large oblong of non-stick baking parchment. Carefully spread and press the cashew nut mixture into an oblong shape on the parchment, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick.
- When cool, spread the stuffing mixture evenly over the top, leaving a gap of about 2 cm at each long side to allow for both starting the rolling process and sealing the final edge.
- Using the baking paper to help you. carefully roll the roulade from one long side, keeping the roll as tight as possible.
- Gently press the final edge together to seal and smooth with your finger tips. Seal the ends by gently squeezing together. Smooth any cracks that appear.
- Decorate the top of the roulade by carefully pressing whole cashew nuts into the surface.
- Wrap the roulade in baking paper and chill for at least an hour before baking.
- Pre-heat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas 4 and base-line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
- Place the roulade on the baking sheet and roast for about 45 minutes until golden brown. Check occasionally and if it appears to be browning too quickly, place a piece of foil over the top to protect it.
- Serve with chutney or a gravy/sauce of your choice. It goes equally well with a tomato-based sauce or traditional vegetable-stock based gravy.
Notes
Nutrition
Stuffed Cashew Nut Roast Shared With :
- Cook Blog Share with Easy Peasy Foodie
- Creative Muster with Fluster Buster and Adoring Creations
- Full Plate Thursday #460 with Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
- Meatless Monday with Confessions of a Mother Runner and A Whisk & Two Wands
- What’s For Dinner? #128 with The Lazy Gastronome
- Fiesta Friday #305 with Angie and Spades Spatulas & Spoons
This post was originally published on 7.1.2015 and updated on 26.11.2019
Previously shared (2015) with Tea Time Treats with The Hedge Combers; Extra Veg with Helen at Utterly Scrummy; Cooking with Herbs with Lavender & Lovage;
Delicious! I may have added some gilding to the lily in the form of a stripe of leftover cranberry sauce running done the centre!! Highly recommended.
Thank you so much for letting me know that you enjoyed the recipe. So pleased! I love it when other people find (and love) my recipes. I will definitely try a touch of cranberry sauce next time I make it xxx
The lovely Kate, in the form of this best nut roast ever, will be joining us for Christmas again this year … why I only think to make this at Christmas, I do not know. It is the best nut roast I’ve ever eaten in 35 years as a vegetarian. It is only the last 4.5 gluten free years that made me find the recipe, so something to be grateful for in gluten intolerance I suppose! Thank you for the recipe Kate, and the new format for it looks great. Helen xx
Thank YOU Helen for the lovely feedback! It is such a fab recipe it needed to be a priority for updating with a new layout. It’s funny how we save it for Christmas! Although I always try to freeze one for Easter too xx
Hope you had a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2020 xx
This looks like a welcome addition to any holiday dinner. Thank you for bringing it to FF.
Thanks Liz and thanks for having me join the linky xx
This is a beautiful Nut Roast and would be delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks Helen. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted! xx
As someone who has to cook multiple Christmas dinners to cater to a whole range of food preferences (meat-eaters, non-meat eaters and gluten-free) this recipe looks fantastic! Really love the idea of adding stuffing to the roast – must add so much flavour.
Thanks Rosemary. The combination of flavours and textures is what makes this roast so special. And the fact that you can make it well ahead of time means that it’s also a stress-free veggie option xx
I have never tried a nut roast, but I want to now! Thanks for sharing your recipe with us at the Creative Muster. Looking forward to seeing what you’ll be sharing next week. Pinned!
Robin 🦃
Never tried a nut roast? This is absolutely the one to start with then! It has the edge on others I have tried xx
I’ve made this a couple of times and it is an excellent nut roast (as a connoisseur of nut roasts) – I love that you can made nut roasts look this good – your photos are fantastic and hearing that you make one for christmas dinner just makes me want to be at your house – I never have the energy for nut roasts so fancy at our Christmas 🙂
Thank you Johanna. I love the fact that you can make this one so far ahead. It makes Christmas so much less stressful xx
This sounds really good! Pinned to try later – Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Can’t wait to what other recipes you’ll bring next week!
Thanks Helen. You’re so welcome x
Hi thankyou for sharing. I m going to attempt this for our hot tropical Christmas but can i make and freeze and at what stage. Compiled and uncooked? Or cook fully then freeze?
Thankyou
Hi Karen
This is an amazing roulade whether hot or cold. I hope you enjoy as much as we do.
I have made and frozen many times, but always freeze BEFORE baking. Make the roulade and then chill unbaked on a tray lined with baking paper in the fridge to firm up a little before wrapping in fresh baking paper… and then put the wrapped roulade in a freezer bag to keep fresh and freeze! I've often made two or three at a time and then baked and eaten them a few months later. They've been fine. LOVE it cold with a little chutney or coleslaw…. one of my favourite Christmas treats!
Enjoy x
Thanks so much., I’ll let you know how it turns out. Fingers crossed it looks as beautiful as yours
You're welcome. Fingers crossed x
This sounds amazing, but I'd have to replace the cheddar cheese with something as I have an intolerance to hard cheeses when melted. Do you think I could use mozzarella or soft goat's cheese instead?
Thank you. I think Mozzarella would work well…. although I think I would use the harder grated stuff that you can get for pizza…. Can you eat that? But if you think the flavour will work well, I reckon you could try most cheeses…. x
so excited about making this
i'm going to make this on Sunday for my sister in law who is a vegetarian, i'm so excited about it.
Hi Suet2. Sorry for the late reply… I have been away. I hope making this dish went well. It is an absolute favourite of mine. I really hope you (and your sister in law) enjoy it as much as we do. Let me know how it went x
Yaay Kate, I made this ahead yesterday for our Christmas dinner (for those of us who are veggies!). It was amazing, easy to make, looked exactly like yours, cooked perfectly today and was hugely popular with everyone (the meat eaters got in and ate half of it – pesky people!). Thank you so much for another fantastic recipe. Happy Christmas! Helen xxx
Woohoo! Fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it….. It is one of my very favourite recipes. I love it, so it's good to hear other people are enjoying it too. Happy New Year xx
This looks totally awesome! I'm a vegetarian and my daughter is a gluten free vegan. Is there a possible adaptation that you know of so that my daughter could enjoy this dish as well?
Thank you. It should be quite easy to sub the cheese for a vegan cheese, use dairy free milk and perhaps use a 'flax egg' or egg substitute for binding? The main issue would be the 'sticking together' of the ingredients, but you could always layer, rather than roulade if it doesn't feel quite sticky enough.
Good luck xx
I'm a big fan of nut roasts, but I've never had such a posh one as this. Love it. My mother does a stuffed lentil roast which I enjoy, but this definitely has the edge.
Once you try this one, you'll be hooked! Its a bit of a faff (always aim to make 2 and freeze one for later!) but worth every mouthful xx
My girl April said this sounds fabulous and suggested that we serve it at our next Holiday potluck at work. Can't wait to surprise the group next time
Thank you. It tastes amazing! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do….. a Christmas favourite every year x
This looks so delicious. I love the stuffing swirled inside, it looks very festive indeed!
Thank you Janice. The contrast of the stuffing is as delicious as it is attractive!
This both looks and sounds delicious. Lovely presentation, I adore cashew nuts. Thank you for sending to #ExtraVeg
You're welcome Helen. It's one of my favourite dishes…. it needed to be shared!
Yum; I think cashews are my favourite nut in savoury dishes
Thanks. I agree CC! They make a lush nut loaf!
I really can't express how much this appeals to me – it just looks wonderful. Pinned to try asap #recipeoftheweek
Thanks Emily. Let me know how it goes!
Oh fabulous! This really is good for pack lunches. No meat so healthier. Great idea Kate and it looks so well made like all of your baking. x
It makes the best packed lunch Alida. Nothing else required and totally delicious!
Oh I want to eat it right now! I have had a love affair with nut roasts since going vegetarian. I have a standard christmas nut roast which is really simple because there is so much other food about but I have already pinned and bookmarked it. Stuffed nut roasts often are quite fussy for me and I have a horror of roulades. But this looks so good and you have sold it so well that I just need a special occasion.
Ha ha! It does seem a bit of a fuss the first time you make it, but then, once you have tried it, all the effort seems worth it and you find the time to make it again….. and again….. Let me know how you get on (and don't worry about the roulade bit….. it rolls quite easily with the help of the paper!)
Hi Kate – made this today – it tasted great but did not go golden brown like yours – which might be due to my oven. I used a swiss roll tin and wonder if it was bigger than your tin as my swirl disappeared in lots of rolling. Can you let me know what size tin you used?
Oh wow! Good stuff!!
Interestingly, I don't use a tin to roll it, but sort of estimate length depending on what tin I want to bake it on. I roll the base (nut-cheese) layer with a piece of baking paper if it is too sticky and make it as oblong as possible by pushing back the sides (about 15 inches by 11 inches I guess). Then I spread the veg layer over the top with the back of a spoon/palette knife so that it stays as a distinct layer. Both layers should still be quite thick and defined. Then roll with the help of the baking paper. You should get clear swirls that way.
If it needs browning a little more, don't be afraid to leave it in the oven a little longer. I have a fan oven and it does tend to get a little hotter than some.
Let me know if you have another go. It is well worth 'perfecting'!
Thanks for your advice Kate – it was really helpful – I have made it again and posted about it – I think I am still not getting the amazing orange swirl like yours but made it for friends who just loved it – http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/stuffed-nut-roast-for-christmas-in-july.html
Thanks so much Johanna! It's great to see someone else enjoying food we like and post!
Your post was fab….. I LOVE the idea of Christmas in July!!!!
Wow that looks seriously impressive! I love nut roast, having been a vegetarian for many many years earlier in my life, and this one looks super impressive! I am going to pin it to my recipes to try board on Pinterest and will be making it for my still vege mum!
Thanks Vicki. Definitely try it…. it is worth all the effort!
oh my word, this looks like such a wonderful nut roast! The pastry alone is like it's own food group!… it's adorable. Just back from LA and there was SO much gluten free choice you would have fainted!… Happy new Year!
Thanks Dom and Happy New Year! I trust you had the best time ever in the US?! I have heard that GF is BIG over there…. I haven't been since we went GF, but have every intention of getting over in the next couple of years. It will be good not to have to fill the UK suitcase with bread, crackers and biscuits!
I am so intrigued! I was veggie for 8 years many moons ago, but I have always avoided nut roasts as I thought they sounded pretty gross if I'm honest. To this day have never so much as tasted one!
However, I am inspired by your enthusiasm and am pinning your recipe.
Janie x
PS thanks so much for sharing with Tea Time Treats!
I know Janie. So many nut roasts are just mush. But this one? I urge you to try it. Really! You won't be disappointed (and I have very high standards).