Indian cooking vastly uses dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, pistachios, walnuts, and many more. From using chopped nuts as garnishes for a dessert or adding them to make curries like cashew nut-gravy with fried kofte with raisins, there are endless recipes that involve the use of nuts.
However, in recent years, another nut that has made its way to Indian kitchens is hazelnut. Known for its rich and earthy flavour, hazelnut is popularly used in International chocolate spreads, cakes, pastries, and more. As of now, hazelnuts are being widely accepted in Indian kitchens thanks to their crunchy profile, health benefits, and modern culinary uses. Read on to know more about their nutritional benefits and where you can use hazelnuts.
Benefits Of Hazelnuts
Apart from having an irresistible taste, hazelnuts have innumerable nutritional and health benefits.
Healthy Fats
Hazelnuts are a rich source of healthy fats. As per a study published in the journal Nutrients in 2023, hazelnuts have heaty-friendly healthy fats, and that too, 60% more than other foods. They can help in decreasing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, thereby improving overall cardiovascular health.
High In Antioxidants
Just like most of dry fruits and nuts, hazelnuts too, are an excellent source of antioxidants. They help protect body cells from free radicals, thus decreasing inflammation, promoting skin health and also reducing premature ageing.
Improves Cognitive Functions
As per a study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience in 2024, since hazelnuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants, they help improve brain functions. Eating hazelnuts has also been proven to attenuate the risk of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Helps In Weight Loss
Since hazelnuts have a significant amount of fibre, eating them regularly can help boost digestion and make you feel full for a longer time. With improved metabolism and lower hunger pangs, you can get a headstart to lose the extra inches.
Plant-Based Protein
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, completing your protein content can get difficult. If you are tired of shoving in tofu and paneer, you can rely on hazelnuts as it is a rich source of plant-based protein.
Culinary Uses Of Hazelnuts
Baking: One of the most common uses of hazelnuts is in baking. Whether you’re making something as basic as a chocolate spread, or making a dry fluffy cake, just add whole or chopped hazelnuts to make the treats more indulgent.
Sweets: If you are making Indian sweets like ladoo or barfi, you can add caramelised or roasted hazelnuts just like any other dry fruit or nut for a rich flavour.
Nut Butter: As an alternative to peanut butter, you can use hazelnut butter as a healthy spread for toast, sandwiches, or even desserts.
Oil: Hazelnuts can also be used to extract oil, which has a delicate flavour. Hazelnut oil can be used for light sauteing, garnishing salads, or grazing dishes.