Nutritional yeast…the name sounded so healthy and certainly not a pantry staple at KosherEye. But, that was before we tried it. We came upon Parma! when we were searching for a recipe to make our own parve Caesar dressing. After some research on vegan sites, we discovered Parma!
So what is nutritional yeast? It is a concentrated source of protein, B complex vitamins, minerals, is easily digestible, and has a cheese-like flavor. In fact, it is considered a super food because the nutrients are plentiful and extremely concentrated. In the Parma brand, the yeast has been deactivated due to a pasteurization process, and is combined with walnuts, seeds, herbs and spices.
Parma is kosher certified parve (dairy free) by Oregon Kosher. It is also Vegan, Soy-free, Gluten-free, GMO-Free, and it is considered a complete protein. It is available in 4 kosher varieties and comes in a shaker jar.
Chipotle Garlicky Original “Better than Bacon”
So now that you know all about our nutritional yeast discovery! Here’s our delicious parve Caesar dressing recipe, and a bonus recipe from Parma!
For more information about Parma!, click here: eatparma.com
Parve (Dairy Free) Caesar Dressing
A KosherEye Signature Recipe
Ingredients:
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 Tablespoons sugar
1-teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (French’s is parve)
1/2-cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons parve buttermilk or soy milk
4 ounces extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Parma!
Ground pepper to taste
Optional: 2 crushed anchovies or a teaspoon of fish sauce (Red boat is kosher)
Directions:
In a bowl whisk together garlic, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, Worcestershire. Add the optional anchovies or fish sauce if using.
Whisk in mayonnaise, oil and Parma!
Enjoy this dressing over a plain lettuce salad – or add salmon, chicken, croutons, kosher bacon bits, kosher faux shrimp or additional vegetables. Serve additional Parma! and freshly ground pepper on the side.. Be creative! Enjoy!
Pesto
A dairy free recipe adapted from Parma!
Ingredients:
One bunch basil (you may mix it with other greens, such as spinach, chard, kale, parsley, etc.)
2 Tablespoons parsley or oregano
1 cup Parma! (One 3.5oz jar)
1/3 to 2/3 cups olive oil, depending on texture desired
1 to 2 cloves garlic
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions:
In food processor, combine all ingredients except oil. Pulse until chopped. Add oil; Pulse a few more times until combined.
Enjoy on crackers, pasta, or veggies. Sprinkle some extra Parma on top. This makes a lovely spread for bread or challah and a yummy topping on broiled or grilled lamb chops.
For extra pesto you won't eat right away, put into ice trays and freeze.