Vegan ‘Parmesan’ Sprinkle
I’d heard of nutritional yeast but only began to use it when taking my culinary nutrition certification. https://www.culinarynutrition.com/ I love nutritional yeast! It has a cheesy smell and taste to it so hence why it is perfect as the base for a vegan ‘parmesan’. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, containing all 9 amino acids, it is a good source of B vitamins (which is wonderful for vegans as most B vitamins are consumed naturally through meat and dairy products) and contains trace minerals that our bodies need for optimal health. It is an antioxidant and is immune boosting.
Is it a yeast like you would use to make bread? Yes, it is, but it is a type of yeast grown only to be a food product and has had the active leavening agents removed during manufacturing – so those with yeast intolerances or sensitivities should read the label before using nutritional yeast. Here is a trusted source of information about Nutritional Yeast.
I make this sprinkle mixture to have on hand in the kitchen. It is a wonderful seasoning on soup - just had some on carrot soup which was so so delicious! We love it over popcorn. Sprinkle it over pasta or sweet potatoes or egg salad and avocado open-faced sandwiches! I have even added a teaspoon or two to hot water for a soothing delicious bouillon-style drink.
It takes only a couple of minutes to whirl this in the food processor and you have something special to use! It makes a thoughtful and very well received gift in a pretty jar for family and friends who will also love it!
As always, when you make this recipe, please post a photo of your Vegan ‘Parmesan’ Sprinkle goodness and tag my IG account or leave a comment with your thoughts!
Prep Time: 2 minutes / Total: 5 minutes (includes putting it in a jar!) / Makes: 1+ cups
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Raw Cashews (alternately use roasted unsalted cashews)
¼ Cup Roasted Unsalted Sunflower Seeds
2/3 Cup Nutritional Yeast
1½ teaspoons Garlic Powder (use 2 teaspoons if you want it a bit more garlicky)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Herbamare (or fine sea salt)
¼ teaspoon Turmeric (optional)
1/8 teaspoon or 2 Grinds of Black Pepper (optional)
How It’s Made
Add the cashews and sunflower seeds to your food processor. Whirl until they are ground.
Add the remaining ingredients and whirl until the mixture is consistently ground, either a little coarse or very fine, as to your preference.
Taste a bit and adjust seasoning to your taste – more salt? More garlic powder? Delicious as-is?
That’s it! Spoon the mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and enjoy this sprinkle on whatever you can think of that needs a cheesy, savoury taste of deliciousness!
Enjoy!
