B12 Recipes Vegan: Easy and Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that supports nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. For those following a vegan lifestyle, obtaining adequate B12 can sometimes be a challenge since it is naturally found in animal products.

Thankfully, there are creative and delicious vegan recipes fortified with B12-rich ingredients or supplemented with fortified foods designed to keep your diet both nutritious and exciting.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several easy-to-make vegan recipes that incorporate B12 through fortified nutritional yeast, plant-based milks, and other sources. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more B12 to your meals, these recipes will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Plus, they’re perfect for everyday meals or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love These B12 Vegan Recipes

Not only are these recipes packed with essential vitamin B12, but they also celebrate the vibrant flavors and textures of plant-based cooking. Each recipe is designed to be simple, wholesome, and delicious, ensuring you never feel deprived while maintaining your health goals.

Why these recipes stand out:

• Easy to prepare with common vegan ingredients
• Rich in B12 through fortified foods like nutritional yeast and plant milks
• Highly versatile to suit any meal of the day
• Delicious flavors that satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike

Ingredients

Equipment

• Blender (for smoothie)
• Medium pot (for pasta)
• Frying pan or skillet (for scramble)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for draining pasta)

Instructions: Vegan B12 Smoothie

1. Gather all ingredients: 1 cup fortified plant-based milk, 1 banana, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp maple syrup.
2. Place the banana, spinach, chia seeds, and nutritional yeast into the blender.
3. Pour in the fortified plant-based milk and maple syrup.
4. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add more plant milk until desired consistency is reached.
5. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for a refreshing, B12-packed start to your day.

Instructions: Nutritional Yeast Pesto Pasta

1. Cook 8 oz whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare pesto: In a food processor, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, juice of 1 lemon, and 1/3 cup olive oil.
3. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra basil or pine nuts if desired.

Instructions: Tofu Scramble with Fortified Tofu

1. Drain and crumble 14 oz of fortified tofu with your hands or a fork.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add crumbled tofu, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak) for eggy flavor.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally until tofu is heated through and slightly golden.
6. Add 1 cup fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
7. Serve hot with toast or wrapped in a tortilla for a hearty vegan breakfast.

Tips & Variations

For an extra boost of B12, always check that your nutritional yeast and plant-based milks are fortified.

You can substitute pine nuts in the pesto with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Try adding avocado to the smoothie for creaminess and healthy fats.

Use smoked paprika in the tofu scramble for a smoky twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Vegan B12 Smoothie is perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack. Pair it with some homemade vegan muffins like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe to keep your morning balanced and satisfying.

The Nutritional Yeast Pesto Pasta is a wonderful main course for lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

For a comforting side, try pairing it with the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe (veganized with dairy-free cheese) for an irresistible combo.

For the Tofu Scramble, serve it with whole grain toast or wrapped in a warm tortilla for breakfast burritos. You can also complement it with a fresh juice like the Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal.

Conclusion

Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 intake on a vegan diet is essential, and incorporating fortified ingredients into delicious recipes is an excellent way to meet your nutritional needs. These three vegan B12 recipes – a smoothie, pesto pasta, and tofu scramble – offer versatility, flavor, and balanced nutrition, making it easier than ever to enjoy plant-based meals without compromising on health.

Experiment with these recipes and customize them to your taste. Remember, the key to a successful and nutritious vegan diet is variety and creativity, so don’t hesitate to explore other fortified foods and recipes.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe which complements these meals beautifully. Happy cooking and nourishing your body with vibrant plant-based goodness!

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