Nutritional yeast: A must-have vegan ingredient

Nutritional yeast is often the secret ingredient in great vegan meals.
Why that?

First, for its particular taste, which reminds a little bit of cheese and nuts. Adding it to a recipe adds a bit of the much-needed "umami" flavor; This flavor that brings a certain depth to a meal. However, be warned that your taste buds may need some time to adjust. Some people love this yeast instantly, while others learn to love it over time.

Then, a second reason explaining why it is so popular is that nutritional yeast is rich in B12. A vitamin that vegans (who no longer eat meats that contain it) should make sure they have in their diet. It is still recommended also to take B12 supplements.

What does nutritional yeast look like?
It is generally found in the form of powder or yellow flakes and which are, in fact, mini mushrooms. If you don't like mushrooms, don't worry, the taste is very different from this vegetable.

Warning! Do not confuse with active yeast, brewer's yeast, or yeast to make bread. It is not at all the same thing, and it is not used in the same way. Nutritional yeast is found in the majority of large-scale grocery stores, in natural food grocery stores and in bulk stores.

How to consume nutritional yeast?
There is a multitude of ways to eat it or use it in cooking.

1) On popcorn
Sprinkling it on popcorn will feel like eating a good cheddar popcorn (but in a vegan version).

2) On pasta
By powdering cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and garlic powder, you will get a vegan parmesan. It will be delicious to put on pasta, on a lasagna, to use in pesto, etc.

3) In a vegetable broth
When making a soup, whether it's a vegetable soup, a “cream” or an Asian soup, you can add nutritional yeast to your vegetable broth. This will add a flavor that will make it even more interesting. It even gives the impression of "chicken broth"

4) In a vegan cheese sauce
Whether it is to create a vegan mac and cheese, a cheese fondue, a cheese sauce, or others, nutritional yeast is your best friend for this kind of meal. It gives the cheese flavor. For an even more successful effect, you can mix it with a vegan melted cheese (sold at the grocery store). The mix of the two will be excellent!

5) As a sauce for a healthy bowl
If you mix nutritional yeast, a little olive oil, soy sauce, and a little maple syrup, you get a delicious sauce. This sauce is perfect for your healthy bowls: dragon bowl, Buddha bowl, etc.
This same sauce can also be used as a dip for spring rolls or vegetable, tofu, or tempeh wraps.
This sauce + the more intense taste of tempeh = a perfect combination.

As you can see, there are many ways to cook nutritional yeast. It’s a must-have in a vegan pantry.
Try it at your next grocery!