Delicious cheese alternatives using nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast, a deactivated yeast often sold in flakes or powder, is a staple in vegan cooking. It's known for its cheesy, nutty flavor, making it an excellent base for dairy-free cheese alternatives. Rich in vitamins, especially B-vitamins, and protein, nutritional yeast can enhance your diet while satisfying your cheese cravings. Let's explore some tasty and nutritious ways to use this versatile ingredient.
Creamy nutritional yeast spread
This spread is perfect for bagels or as a dip for vegetables. Blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The cashews create a creamy texture, while the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. This spread not only tastes great but also provides healthy fats from the nuts and vitamin B12 from the nutritional yeast.
Vegan mac and cheese
Cook your favorite pasta and set it aside. In a saucepan, blend almond milk, nutritional yeast, turmeric for color, garlic powder, and arrowroot starch until thick. Pour this creamy mixture over the pasta. Bake if you like. This version of mac and cheese is not only comforting but also packed with fiber from whole-grain pasta and vitamins from nutritional yeast.
Cheesy vegan popcorn seasoning
Elevate your popcorn game by sprinkling it with a mix of nutritional yeast flakes, paprika (or smoked paprika for depth), onion powder, and sea salt after popping. Not only does this seasoning add an irresistible cheesy flavor to your snack without dairy, but it also boosts your intake of vitamins and minerals thanks to the nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast-based salad dressing
Blend olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic with nutritional yeast flakes to create a zesty dressing. Adjust with salt and pepper for taste. This tangy dressing not only enhances salads but also boosts nutrition, offering omega-3 fatty acids from olive oil and protein from nutritional yeast. It's a flavorful and healthy addition to any salad.
