Nutritional yeast, or “nooch” for short, is a vegetarian dietary supplement with a pleasantly cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor. The vitamin B-12 and protein rich flakes taste buttery, but are lighter than butter and naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan as well. As a result, nutritional yeast is used in recipes and is a favorite for those following special diets as an ideal vegetarian support formula.
Nutritional yeast is made from a specially selected strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It comes in large flakes that can be combined with an endless permutation of spices and seasonings to make signature blends for various applications like sauces, vegan cheese and more.
Used here on popcorn, a favorite nooch seasoning application, this recipe can be a multifunctional base and open to adding your favorite dried herbs, chilies, seeds and more. Pop your kernels using your favorite method. With the exception of air popping, the oil used will help the nooch seasoning to stick and will add additional flavor to the final product.
Ingredients
-
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
-
8 cups popcorn
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
Kristina Vanni
-
In a small bowl combine the nutritional yeast, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Kristina Vanni
-
Add 4 cups of the popped popcorn to a large bowl. Sprinkle with half of the nooch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Kristina Vanni
-
Add the remaining 4 cups of popped popcorn to the same bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining nooch seasoning. Toss again to coat. Incorporate the popcorn from the first layer into the second addition.
Kristina Vanni
-
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
Kristina Vanni
-
Nooch Seasoning Variations
- Everything Bagel Nooch – Add poppy seeds, toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion to the nooch seasoning to create a version that tastes like an everything bagel.
- Spicy Jalapeno Nooch – Add a dash of jalapeño powder to the basic nooch base for a spicy twist.
- Za'atar Nooch – Make a za'atar inspired nooch by adding oregano, marjoram, thyme, cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, and sumac.
- Taco Nooch – Add taco seasoning to nooch for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Italian Nooch – Simply mix in an Italian seasoning blend to make an Italian inspired nooch.
-
Nooch Seasoning Uses
Sprinkling over warm popcorn is just one of the many ways to use a nooch seasoning:
- It can be added to sauces, gravies, soups, and spreads.
- Nooch can be sprinkled over vegetables or baked potatoes for a vegan version of a buttery topping.
- Nooch is a great way to jazz up kale chips, homemade potato chips, or french fries.
- It can even be sprinkled over spaghetti, pizza, or other dishes as a healthy replacement for shredded cheese or freshly grated parmesan.
