Raw Vegan Cauliflower Popcorn

I haven’t quite decided what I think of this yet, but either way it was successful. The bowl was empty when Zaedyn and I finished. It is super easy and full of raw goodness. Plus I love raw cauliflower! Although I should use nutritional yeast more often, I don’t. I have previously used flakes and am trying the powder now. This is all about to change though.

Nutritional yeast, or nooch, will definitely become a part of my recipes and can easily be added to all sorts. Some people use it specifically for its “cheesy” flavour. As with meat and eggs, I am not a vegan that misses cheese; however, I can see the possibilities of using this as a “cheesy” flavour. I have been recreating a few dishes hoping to come across some new ideas for David as we both get stuck on our favourites. Not sure if the cauliflower popcorn will appeal to him, but I have a few new ideas on how to use nutritional yeast.

This idea of cauliflower “popcorn” began with Pinterest, and I searched quickly online to see what recipes were out there. I didn’t really follow any specific one as they are all pretty similar with the idea of oil, nutritional yeast, and spices. I chose to be different and use cayenne pepper which is high in vitamin A as well as containing B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, manganese, and capsaicin. If you do not want it spicy, you can use your favourite herbs or spices to make different flavours. We usually have avocado oil which is what I used, but you could substitute the oil for your choice as well. There isn’t a specific recipe, but more like guidelines, as it truly is versatile. To make it “cheesier” add more nutritional yeast. All you do is shake it up and eat. It really is that simple. If you do not want to eat it raw, you can also put this in a dehydrator. Just remember to buy nutritional yeast that is vegan and is fortified with B12. The nutritional yeast I bought has naturally produced B2 and B12 during fermentation, along with added B2 and B12 before the drying process as well as B1, B6, niacin, and folic acid. Now you see why I am happy that Zaedyn was eating it. I know that he was getting lots of beneficial nutrients.

Zaedyn tried to help me shake the “popcorn” up, but the container was a bit too heavy. He instantly examined it and tried a piece as soon as the lid was off. I love to see his curiosity and his willingness to try new things. He loved it! After moving from the ground to the table, he ate some more before taking it outside along with our paw paw smoothie. Kai was pretty curious as well! This will be another nutritious snack to remember.

How do you use nutritional yeast?

Tahini, a Nutritional Powerhouse

Tahini is a nutritional powerhouse that is being eaten by many, but often unknowingly. If you have ever made hummus, you will know that tahini is one of the main ingredients. So if you have eaten hummus and thought that you had never tried tahini, you probably have!

I have often been asked what tahini is, and well, it is actually just ground sesame seeds that becomes a spreadable paste, or seed butter. There is a bit of confusion when it comes to whether or not to buy hulled or unhulled sesame seeds, but it seems as if the unhulled provides additional nutrients. Makes sense to me. Being vegan you often get asked, “Well, where do you get your calcium?” Tahini is an excellent source of calcium.

Why not buy some raw sesame seeds and try making your own tahini? Besides making hummus, you can use it in dips like my Edamame Dip Sprinkled with Chia Seeds, spread it on Mountain Bread or gluten-free bread, fruit, add to smoothies, use it to make dressings, make tahini milks, or spread on falafel. What is your favourite way to eat tahini?