If you’re a fan of plant-based diets and vegan eating, you may have heard about nutritional yeast, also known as “nooch”. But if you’re unfamiliar with this ingredient, you may be wondering what it is and how to use it. In this blog post, we’ll explore all there is to know about nutritional yeast.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a versatile ingredient popular among vegans and vegetarians. It is created from a single-celled organism called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses. The yeast is then harvested, washed, and dried with heat to create a deactivated, powdery form of yeast.
What are the nutritional benefits of nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that many people might not get enough of from their diets. It’s high in protein and is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also rich in B vitamins, including vitamin B12, essential for maintaining healthy nerve and red blood cells. Nutritional yeast is also a good source of fibre and is low in fat and sodium.
How to use nutritional yeast in cooking?
Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, nutty, and savoury flavour to many dishes. One of the most popular ways to use nutritional yeast is as a cheese substitute. Dust it over popcorn, mix it in mashed potatoes, or sprinkle it over pasta. It’s also a great addition to soups, stews, and gravies. You can also use it to create vegan cheese sauces or dips or to top off roasted vegetables.
Recipes using nutritional yeast:
- Vegan Mac and Cheese: Cook pasta according to the package instructions, then blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast flakes (nooch with b12), garlic, and seasoning with water to create a decadent cheese sauce.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Blend roasted, salted cashews with nutritional yeast and seasonings to create a rich, umami flavour similar to parmesan cheese.
- Roasted Vegetable Bowl: Toss roasted veggies with cooked quinoa and seasonings, then sprinkle a generous amount of nutritional yeast on top to elevate the dish.
Conclusion:
Nutritional yeast is a delicious, healthy, and versatile ingredient popular among vegans and vegetarians. It’s an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre. With its nutty, cheesy flavour, nutritional yeast can add an umami flavour to many dishes, making it a popular cheese substitute in plant-based cooking. Incorporating nutritional yeast into your cooking can help create healthy, delicious, and plant-based meals. So go ahead and get creative with nutritional yeast; your taste buds will thank you.
