Brewer’s Yeast (with recipes)

This yeast, also known as nutritional yeast, was originally a by-product of the brewing industry – hence its name. Today, however, it is grown specifically for human consumption and is a rich source of vitamin B, containing all the elements of the B complex and a large amount of protein. Great for instant pep and sustained energy, it is a boon to those who watch their weight, for it contains little fat, carbohydrates, or sugar – it will not make you lose weight, but it will give you the energy to zip off unwanted poundage. If you are deficient in the B vitamins, you may find that brewer’s yeast at first produces gas; therefore, work up to a good dosage gradually, starring with a teaspoonful or less. Shop around for a brand of yeast that is palatable to you; if you can’t stomach one kind, give it to your pets (in small amounts, it helps to control fleas), and try again!

            Brewer’s yeast comes in powder, flake, and pill form. The flakes dissolve more easily than the powder, and the pills are convenient for travelers, but the powder is far more concentrated than either and offers an immediate pickup that is too good to be missed.

            Brewer’s yeast can also be added in small amounts to breads, soups, stews, meat loaves, etc. A caution: Do not confuse this yeast, whose growth has been arrested by heating, with baking yeast, which is a live substance that may continue growing in the intestines with deleterious results.

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PAN-FRIED TOFU WITH NUTRITIONAL YEAST

1 pound firm tofu

2 eggs

1 cup nutritional yeast

2-4 tablespoons olive oil

Soy sauce

·        Dice tofu into small ½ -inch squares. Beat eggs in bowl and lay out nutritional yeast on a large plate. Alternately dip tofu pieces in egg and then roll in nutritional yeast until coated.

·        Heat desired amount of olive oil in skillet over medium-high hear and toss in the egg-and-yeast-coated tofu. Allow tofu to fry, turning occasionally with a spatula until tofu becomes golden brown. After 8 minutes of cooking, begin to sprinkle with soy sauce and then turn with a spatula. Sprinkle with soy sauce and turn until the tofu is crispy and golden.

·        Serve immediately with vegetable stir-fry or over rice.

·        Serves four.

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NUTRITIONAL YEAST POPCORN

1 cup popcorn, popped

4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted

½ cup nutritional yeast

Soy sauce to taste

·        Toss popcorn with melted butter and nutritional yeast, and sprinkle with a bit of soy sauce. Go easy on the soy sauce, as both the soy and the nutritional yeast are quite salty. This is a great way to get the kids to eat nutritional yeast, as they almost always love this combination.