I figured I would start a little “back to basics” series of posts here on the blog focused on my homemade vegan basics. I’ve been trying to make what I can at home to not only control the ingredients, but to save money. And, to be honest, it feels incredibly rewarding when I make things with my own two hands. I figured I would start with vegan parm because it is one of my absolute favorite things to have on hand to instantly add a lovely savory flavor to anything.
Not only is this vegan parm animal friendly, it’s healthier for you, too! Nutritional yeast, affectionately called “nooch” by many vegans, is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a great source of amino acids, is a complete protein source, and is full of B vitamins like thiamin & riboflavin. Hemp seeds seeds are also a complete protein in addition to containing the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 which are a great source of energy. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and trace minerals. So basically, you don’t have to feel bad about piling this stuff on your food like you would with conventional parm. Huzzah!
–Serving Ideas–
+ sprinkled atop your avocado toast (my favorite combo right now is avocado, olives, fresh sage, & vegan parm…it is reminiscent of pizza!)
+ sprinkled over a kale salad massaged with lemon juice & avocado
+ sprinkled over simple roasted or steamed veggies
+ sprinkled over pasta
Vegan Parmesan
heaped 1/2 cup sliced, blanched almonds
2 tbsp hemp seeds
5 tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp granulated garlic (leave out if allergic/sensitive)
zest of 1 lemon
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until fine. Taste and adjust with more salt if necessary. Store your vegan parm in an airtight container in the fridge. Makes about 1 cup.
Mmmmmm!!! This is definitely something we need to make! And thank you for adding the note about garlic allergies – it is definitely a real thing!
Let me know how you guys like it if you get a chance to make it! I have to restrain myself from putting it on everything 🙂