Carla Lalli Music, the renowned food writer and Bon Appétit personality, is known for her vibrant, approachable recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and bold flavors. One recipe that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many is her incredibly versatile nutritional yeast dressing. It’s more than just a salad dressing; it’s a flavor enhancer that can transform everything from roasted vegetables to popcorn. Let's dive into the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dressing.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Before we get into the recipe itself, let's address a key ingredient: nutritional yeast. This deactivated yeast boasts a cheesy, nutty flavor, making it a fantastic vegan substitute for cheese. It's also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with B vitamins and protein. Don't confuse it with active yeast used in baking—nutritional yeast is shelf-stable and won't make your bread rise.
Carla Lalli Music's Nutritional Yeast Dressing Recipe (The Basics)
While Carla hasn't released a specific, explicitly named "Nutritional Yeast Dressing" recipe, her style and ingredient preferences heavily influence countless variations created by home cooks inspired by her work. The core elements always involve nutritional yeast, a good acidic element (like lemon juice or vinegar), and a healthy fat (such as olive oil). Often, garlic, water, and seasonings are added to round out the flavor profile.
The beauty of this dressing lies in its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity!
How to Make Carla Lalli Music Inspired Nutritional Yeast Dressing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a version inspired by Carla's style, focusing on bright, fresh flavors:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: In a jar or bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want more lemon juice for tartness, more water for a thinner consistency, or more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor.
- Serve immediately or store: The dressing is delicious immediately. If storing, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What Can I Use This Dressing On?
This isn't just a salad dressing; its applications are vast!
- Salads: Obviously, it's fantastic on salads of all kinds, especially those with roasted vegetables or hearty greens.
- Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle it over roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots – the cheesy, nutty flavor complements the sweetness of roasted vegetables beautifully.
- Popcorn: For a savory snack, toss your popcorn with a little of this dressing for a delicious, cheesy kick.
- Pasta: Add it to pasta dishes for a creamy, vegan-friendly sauce.
- Vegetables: Use it as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots and celery.
Is Nutritional Yeast Dressing Healthy?
Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and B vitamins, and the addition of olive oil provides healthy fats. However, remember that it's still a dressing, and moderation is key. The overall healthfulness depends on the other ingredients you incorporate, like the type of oil and any added sugars or salts.
Can I Make This Dressing Without Olive Oil?
Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with other healthy fats like avocado oil, sunflower oil, or even a nut-based oil like walnut oil or cashew oil. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile to your dressing.
How Long Does Nutritional Yeast Dressing Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dressing should last for about a week.
This Carla Lalli Music-inspired nutritional yeast dressing is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Experiment with different flavors and find your perfect blend! Its versatility and deliciousness are sure to make it a staple in your kitchen.
