Beyond Desserts, 6 Unusual Ways To Use Hazelnut For Cooking

Hazelnuts aren't just tasty in baked goods; they have many other uses as well. Both savoury and sweet foods can benefit from their distinctive flavour and texture. Hazelnuts, with their rich and nutty flavour, are a useful addition in many dishes. The flavour of salads, major dishes, and snacks can all benefit from the addition of hazelnuts. 

Also read: Did You Know About Hazelnut Flour? Here’s A Quick Guide

Roasted Snack: To start, toast some hazelnuts to release their rich nutty flavour in the oven. Have them as a snack or add them to your own trail mix for a healthy boost of flavour. 

Savoury Dishes: Savoury meals benefit from the addition of hazelnuts both in taste and texture. Coating meats, fish, or vegetables with crushed or chopped hazelnuts before baking or pan-frying is a delicious and nutritious option. They offer a wonderful crunch and nutty flavour to foods like spaghetti, grain bowls, and stir-fries. 

Salad Topping: Salads with toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and flavour. For a savoury and crunchy topping, toss them with your favourite green salad, grain bowl, or roasted vegetable meal. 

Hazelnut Milk: Hazelnut milk is easy to make at home: just blend some soaked hazelnuts with some water and drain the resulting liquid. Smoothies, coffee, and porridge without milk will taste better with this addition. 

Hazelnut Spread: If you want to make your own chocolate-hazelnut spread, all you need to do is combine roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and a touch of salt in a blender. Use it as a spread on toast or pancakes, or as a fruit dip. 

Garnish: Hazelnuts, when finely chopped or ground, make a tasty garnish for many different foods. They give both texture and visual appeal when sprinkled atop cold treats like ice cream, yoghurt, or custard. They are also great as a garnish for savoury foods like roasted vegetables, soups, and creamy pastas. 

Hazelnuts should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Try out these suggestions and see how the nutty, rich flavour of hazelnuts may elevate your dishes.