The Popularity of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among those who follow a plant-based or vegan diet. It is a type of deactivated yeast that is sold in the form of yellow flakes or powder. Nutritional yeast is often used as a seasoning or flavor enhancer in vegan dishes, and it is particularly known for its cheesy and nutty flavor.
The Benefits of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is not only delicious, but it also has many health benefits. It is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B12, which is often lacking in vegan diets. Nutritional yeast is also low in fat and sodium, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cheese.
Making Cheese Sauce with Nutritional Yeast
One of the most popular ways to use nutritional yeast is to make a vegan cheese sauce. This sauce can be used as a dip, drizzled over vegetables or pasta, or even as a pizza topping. Here’s a simple recipe for making cheese sauce using nutritional yeast:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Add the almond milk slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
How to Customize Your Cheese Sauce
One of the great things about making cheese sauce with nutritional yeast is that it is highly customizable. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and you can also experiment with different types of milk and flour to achieve different textures and flavors. For a creamier sauce, you can use cashew or coconut milk instead of almond milk. You can also use different types of flour, such as chickpea flour, to make the sauce gluten-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cheese sauce made with nutritional yeast is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cheese sauce. It is packed with nutrients, low in fat and sodium, and easy to customize to suit your taste. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and versatile it can be!