Published By: Jayati

Nuts about hazelnuts: 4 surprises beyond dessert!

Hazelnuts beyond desserts? Totally nut-credible!

Hazelnuts aren't just great in baked goods; they're incredibly versatile. Their rich, nutty flavour can enhance everything from salads to main dishes and snacks. They add a satisfying crunch and delicious nuttiness to both sweet desserts and savoury meals. Try experimenting with hazelnuts and see how they can elevate your dishes—they're a fantastic way to add flavour and texture to your cooking! Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

Hazelnuts in salads and grain bowls? They're a game-changer! 

When you want to add a nice crunch and a rich, nutty flavour to your salads and grain bowls, hazelnuts are a great choice. Their earthy taste goes well with many ingredients, balancing out the flavours nicely. For a simple yet tasty salad, toss together mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted hazelnuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing meal. In a hearty grain bowl, combine cooked quinoa with roasted butternut squash, sautéed kale, and toasted hazelnuts to add a satisfying crunch against the softer grains. Finish with a drizzle of tahini dressing for a burst of flavor. Next time you're preparing a salad or grain bowl, don't skip the hazelnuts—they add a delightful crunch and elevate the flavors and textures of your dish, sure to impress your taste buds!

Hazelnut-flavoured coffee and espresso? It's pure nutty bliss!

Hazelnut-flavoured coffee and espresso? It's like adding a fancy hat to your favourite brew! The nutty twist of hazelnuts makes your daily cuppa a whole lot more interesting. Whether you're a latte lover, cappuccino connoisseur, or macchiato maniac, hazelnut syrup or beans can jazz up your coffee routine. So, next time you're whipping up a brew at home or hitting your go-to coffee spot, sprinkle in some hazelnut syrup or a dash of hazelnut extract. It's like giving your coffee a warm, nutty high-five that'll make your taste buds dance. 

Hazelnut flour? It's baking's nutty star! 

Hazelnut flour is the gluten-free superstar of baking! It's like adding nutty goodness to your recipes, boosting flavour, and packing a nutritional punch. Perfect for turning your cookies, cakes, and muffins into moist, nutty masterpieces. Just remember, this flour's got a high fat content, so balance it out with other flours to dodge any greasy mishaps. And because it's a bit denser than your usual flour, keep your recipes juicy with extra moisture or leavening agents. Oh, and give it a cool spot in the fridge to stay fresh—because hazelnuts deserve that VIP treatment!

Hazelnuts with fruits and berries? Delicious duo! 

When hazelnuts and berries get together, it's like a party for your taste buds! Imagine the juicy sweetness of berries dancing with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts—it's a flavour combination that's pure magic! Whether you're sprinkling chopped hazelnuts over a bowl of mixed berries or tossing them into a fruit salad, you're adding a delicious twist that'll make your dishes pop!  

Hazelnuts go way back, like ancient history! People have always loved them for their good-for-you stuff and how they jazz up food. Today, they're still a big hit in fancy restaurants and regular kitchens alike, adding that awesome crunch and nutty taste to tons of dishes. So, explore the creative ways we talked about to add hazelnuts to your cooking adventures!