Nutritional yeast or nooch, as it’s commonly called, is a type of deactivated yeast that’s packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. It’s a great source of vitamin B complex and protein, making it a popular ingredient in plant-based diets. Besides its nutritional benefits, nutritional yeast has a unique cheesy, nutty flavor that makes it a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. Here are some delicious and healthy recipes that you can make with nutritional yeast:
1. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that’s loved by many, but it’s not the healthiest meal option. Fortunately, you can make a delicious and healthy version of mac and cheese using nutritional yeast. This vegan mac and cheese recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with plant-based goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashews (soaked for at least 1 hour)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound gluten-free pasta
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor with the almond milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
- Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until well combined.
- Serve and enjoy!
2. Vegan Parmesan Cheese
One of the best things about nutritional yeast is its ability to mimic the flavor of parmesan cheese. This vegan parmesan cheese recipe is super easy to make and can be used as a topping for pasta, pizza, salads, and more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Add the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and sea salt to a food processor and pulse until you get a fine crumbly texture.
- Store the vegan parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
3. Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing
Caesar salad dressing is traditionally made with anchovies, eggs, and parmesan cheese, making it unsuitable for vegan diets. But with nutritional yeast, you can create a delicious and creamy vegan Caesar salad dressing that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the cashews and add them to a blender or food processor along with the water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, capers, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the vegan Caesar salad dressing over your favorite greens, croutons, and toppings.
- Enjoy your healthy and delicious vegan Caesar salad!
4. Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
If you’re craving some cheesy and spicy goodness, this vegan nacho cheese sauce recipe will hit the spot. It’s made with nutritional yeast, potatoes, and carrots for a healthier and more nutritious alternative to traditional cheese sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Boil the chopped potatoes and carrot in a pot of water for 10-15 minutes or until they’re soft.
- Drain the vegetables and add them to a blender or food processor along with the nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, cayenne pepper, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the vegan nacho cheese sauce over your favorite nachos, burritos, or tacos.
- Enjoy your healthy and satisfying vegan nachos!
5. Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Soup is a comforting and warming meal that’s perfect for chilly days. This vegan broccoli and cheese soup recipe is packed with plant-based nutrients and flavors, making it a healthy and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes or until it’s soft and translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets, vegetable broth, unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is soft.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy your healthy and comforting vegan broccoli and cheese soup!
Conclusion
Nutritional yeast is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can enhance the flavor and nutrition of many dishes. It’s a popular ingredient in vegan and plant-based diets, but anyone can benefit from its nutritional value. With these delicious and healthy recipes, you can include more nutritional yeast in your diet and enjoy its many benefits.
Common Questions and Answers:
-
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a type of deactivated yeast that’s rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins B complex, protein, and dietary fiber. -
What does nutritional yeast taste like?
Nutritional yeast has a unique cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor. It’s often used as a vegan substitute for cheese in many dishes. -
Is nutritional yeast gluten-free?
Yes, nutritional yeast is gluten-free and suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. -
What are the health benefits of nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It can help boost the immune system, promote healthy digestion, and support overall health and wellbeing. -
How do you use nutritional yeast in cooking?
Nutritional yeast can be used in many recipes as a seasoning, topping, or ingredient. It’s commonly used in vegan and plant-based diets to add flavor and nutrition to dishes such as soups, sauces, dips, and more.