Crafting Nutritional Yeast at Home

Nutritional yeast is produced by cultivating saccharomyces cerevisiae fungus on molasses, then deactivating it through heat treatment. The resulting product undergoes washing, pasteurization, drying, and fragmentation using specialized equipment beyond the capacity of a typical household kitchen. Although there's a method involving dry instant yeast, it's difficult to ensure complete deactivation. Consumption of activated yeast may lead to bloating and other gastrointestinal discomforts, so it's advisable to purchase nutritional yeast from a grocery store or reputable supplier.

Preheat a medium to large skillet over medium-high heat. Choose a skillet large enough to evenly heat each granule of instant yeast. Stainless steel, coated cast iron, or nonstick pans work well.

Position the instant yeast in the skillet. Sprinkle the yeast evenly across the heated pan. Use any quantity of instant yeast, ensuring each granule receives uniform heat exposure. For instance, to yield 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, pour 6 or 7 packets (about 32 grams) of active instant yeast into a measuring cup, then distribute evenly in the pan.

Toast the yeast granules over medium to high heat until uniformly browned. Stir the granules in the pan as they heat, ensuring even browning. Scrape the pan's sides to ensure uniform heating of each granule. This process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes until the yeast is fully deactivated.

Allow the yeast to cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Remove the pan from heat and let the granules cool. Once cooled, transfer them into an airtight plastic container or ziplock bag. Store in a cool, dry place. Note: The complete deactivation of yeast cannot be guaranteed, so consume at your own discretion!

Sprinkle it onto popcorn instead of salt. For a low-sodium alternative, use nutritional yeast as a popcorn seasoning. Use approximately 1 tablespoon (15 grams) for every 2 to 3 cups (256 to 384 grams) of popcorn. It imparts a savory, cheesy flavor while providing a vitamin B12 boost.

Sprinkle nutritional yeast over roasted vegetables for a delicious umami flavor. Add 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45 grams) of nutritional yeast to your cooked veggies to enhance their savory taste. It pairs perfectly with roasted carrots, potatoes, greens, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and many other vegetables!

Elevate leafy green salads with a cheesy taste using nutritional yeast. Replace cheese with approximately 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of nutritional yeast in your salads. This is particularly ideal for dairy-free or vegan versions of caesar or cobb salads.

Swap out cheese for nutritional yeast in pasta and rice dishes. Opt for nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor in your dishes if you're reducing dairy consumption. Use around 1/4 cup (32 grams) to add cheesiness to pasta, rice, and casseroles.

Create a savory vegan tofu scramble with nutritional yeast. Incorporate 2 tablespoons (30 grams) to 1/4 cup (32 grams) of nutritional yeast per half or full package of tofu to elevate the flavor of your scramble. It will lend a light, fluffy, and cheesy taste.

Thicken soups and stews with nutritional yeast. Use approximately 1/2 cup (64 grams) of nutritional yeast for every 1 cup (240 mL) of liquid in your soup. Gradually add it while stirring until you achieve your desired thickness. Note that it will subtly alter the soup's flavor, so adjust accordingly.

Create a vegan cheese sauce using nutritional yeast for dipping and drizzling. Mix 1/4 cup (32 grams) of tahini, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of nutritional yeast, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of white miso, and 1/2 to 2/3 cup (120 to 160 mL) of water. Microwave for about 1 minute, then whisk again. Customize with onion powder, rosemary, thyme, or other herbs, and add spinach, broccoli, artichoke hearts, black beans, or other extras. Enjoy the sauce as a fondue or drizzle it over grains, tacos, enchiladas, and proteins for a healthier cheese alternative.