Rustic Wild Blueberry Relish with Cashew “Crema” & Crostini

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The naturally more intense blueberry flavor of wild Blueberries can hold their own beautifully in contrast to the peppery arugula and tangy cashew “crema” in this appetizer. Not just more intense in flavor, Wild Blueberries are also a concentrated source of plant pigments that help lower oxidative stress and inflammation.

Recipe by Maggie Moon, MS, RD, author of The MIND Diet


Serves 7-12

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Serves 7-12

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Cashew “Crema”: (10 oz)
1 cup raw cashews
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
3 oz lemon juice (6 tablespoons ~2 large lemons)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Rustic Wild Blueberry Relish: (6 oz)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 cremini mushrooms, minced (~¾ cup)
1-1/2 cups frozen Wild Blueberries
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
2 oz red wine (4 tablespoons)
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Crostini
1 large whole grain baguette, sliced 1/4–1/2-inch thick on the diagonal
Olive oil as needed
Salt to taste
3 cups baby arugula, loosely packed
  1. Rinse cashews, then cover in water and soak in refrigerator 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse. In a high-powered blender, combine cashews, nutritional yeast and lemon juice until smooth, 1–3 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a storage container and refrigerate until cool, at least 1 hour. Can be made a day ahead.
  2. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large non-stick pan, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté until fragrant and shallots start to glisten, 30 seconds. Stir in mushrooms, lightly salt, and stir occasionally until moderately reduced, 3 minutes. Stir in Wild Blueberries, coriander, and red wine. Simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. To assemble, spread each crostini with a teaspoon of cashew crema, a few leaves of arugula, and a teaspoon of Wild Blueberry relish.

Makes 36 bites.