Vegan Parmesan
Some of the most useful recipes in a kitchen aren’t complete meals at all. They’re the little extras you make once and then keep finding reasons to use. Vegan Parmesan is exactly that sort of recipe, a simple jar in the fridge that can quietly become part of everything from weeknight pasta to roasted vegetables and relaxed family dinners.
There’s something satisfying about finishing a plate with a generous sprinkle of something savoury. This version brings together nutritional yeast, Brazil nuts, garlic powder and salt to create a nutty, flavourful crumb that can add that final touch a dish sometimes feels like it’s missing. It’s a small addition, but small additions often have a surprising way of becoming the things people reach for again.
Before long, it can become the jar that automatically gets placed on the table. Someone adds a light sprinkle, someone else takes a much more generous spoonful, and everyone uses it a little differently. That’s part of the appeal, it doesn’t need to be the star of the meal to earn a permanent place in the kitchen.
Ingredients
What gives this its savoury kick? Let’s find out.
- Nutritional Yeast: Provides the savoury, cheesy-style flavour that forms the base of the mixture.
- Brazil Nuts: Give the parmesan a rich nutty taste and help create its crumb-like texture.
- Salt: Enhances the savoury flavour of the nutritional yeast and nuts.
- Garlic Powder: Adds another layer of savoury flavour without introducing moisture.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Measure the Ingredients
Measure out the nutritional yeast, Brazil nuts, salt and garlic powder.
Step 2: Add to the Blender
Place all of the ingredients into a blender.
Step 3: Blend
Blend until the mixture becomes a fine crumb.
Step 4: Transfer to a Jar
Spoon the Vegan Parmesan into a clean glass jar.
Step 5: Store
Keep the jar in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Vegan Parmesan
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup brazil nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Method
- Place all items in a blender and mix until you form a fine crumb.
- Store in glass jar in fridge.
Recipe Notes
Things Needed
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean glass storage jar
- Spoon
Five Things to Love About Vegan Parmesan
1. It Becomes the Jar You Keep Reaching For
Some homemade recipes are made once for a particular meal. This one is more likely to earn a regular spot in the fridge, ready whenever pasta, vegetables or another savoury dish needs something extra.
2. There’s Something Satisfying About the Final Sprinkle
That moment when you finish a bowl of pasta or a baked dish with a generous sprinkle on top makes the meal feel complete. It’s a small detail, but often those little finishing touches are what people remember.
3. It Proves Simple Pantry Ingredients Can Do a Lot
Nutritional yeast, Brazil nuts, garlic powder and salt don’t sound elaborate individually, yet together they create something useful enough to appear across many different meals.
4. Everyone Can Add It Their Own Way
Put the jar on the table and some people will add a light sprinkle while others will be much more generous. There’s something relaxed and communal about letting everyone finish their own plate exactly how they like it.
5. It’s One of Those Small Recipes That Makes Home Cooking Easier
Not every recipe needs to be the main event. Sometimes the most useful recipes are the little extras that are already waiting for you when dinner needs one last touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my Vegan Parmesan turned into a paste instead of a crumb?
The Brazil nuts release natural oils when blended for too long. Use short pulses and stop as soon as you reach a fine crumb rather than continuously blending.
How fine should I blend it?
Aim for a texture similar to a fine crumb or finely grated parmesan. It should still feel dry and loose enough to sprinkle rather than becoming completely smooth.
Why does the recipe use Brazil nuts?
Brazil nuts provide richness and a nutty texture that works well with the savoury nutritional yeast. Together they create a more substantial topping than nutritional yeast on its own.
Why does Vegan Parmesan sometimes clump after being stored?
Moisture can cause the mixture to clump. Use a clean, dry spoon when taking it from the jar and keep the container properly sealed in the refrigerator.
Is it better to add Vegan Parmesan before or after cooking?
It can work both ways depending on the dish. Adding it before baking can incorporate the flavour into the dish, while sprinkling some on afterwards gives you a fresher crumb texture.
How many cups can I make from the ingredients listed?
It makes 1 cup
