Now, even if you are not a vegan, or a vegetarian, this much healthier and dairy-free option is a great substitute when you’re craving a cheese dip. It is a delicious, lighter and satisfying dip substitute to processed cheese using healthy cashews instead, yes, cashews! Easy to prepare and so creamy and delicious, this lower calorie and heart healthier alternative dip is also a lighter way to indulge; loaded with B-vitamins, protein and healthy fats, you can actually feel good about enjoying this cheesy, yet cheeseless, delight. Nutritional yeast is considered by many to be the most valuable supplement available and is used as a flavor enhancer as well as a nutritional aid …
Benefits of Nutritional Yeast – apart from tasting so good:
“One ounce of nutritional yeast contains 14 grams of protein and 79 calories. What you get for those calories is vital health: yeast contains more than seven grams of fiber per ounce. That is nearly one quarter of the recommended quota of 25-30 grams per day.
By supplementing a diet with nutritional yeast you are getting taste without sodium. One serving of nutritional yeast provides the full spectrum of B vitamins including B12, amino acids, protein, folic acid, biotin and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, and selenium. Nutritional yeast is one of the few vegetarian sources that provide all nine essential amino acids, which are used by the body to form protein.” Read more about the endless benefits of these yellow flakes..–>
Thanks to one of our Pilates experts and teachers, Sara Davis at The Hundred Pilates Studio in Dubai, for contributing and sharing this delicious Vegan Queso Dip Recipe. Time to head to the kitchen…
Ingredients
1/2 cup salsa
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup nutritional yeast – you can find this in the bulk bins at your natural food store. Don’t leave this out – it won’t taste right without it. And don’t confuse it with active yeast or brewers yeast – it is NOT the same! You can purchase nutritional yeast from the Organics Supermarket in Dubai.
2 cloves chopped garlic
1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4-6 hours. The soaking is key, so don’t skip this step!
Directions
Drain the cashews, then toss all of the ingredients into your blender or food processor. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the carafe, as needed. Have patience – if you keep blending, this will get a smooth texture!
Serve with any crudite your heart desires – cucumbers, tomato slices, carrots, bell peppers, celery, toasted bread…enjoy and thank you Sara Davis! We love having a dedicated Pilates expert onboard who loves her innovative food too…
