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Walnuts are a good add-on to your meals since they are yummy and also a good source of key nutrients. They are full of protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats, and they have many health benefits, such as improved heart and brain health. With their great crunch and buttery flavour, they are perfect for both savoury and sweet uses.
This nutrient-dense nut has so many ways to be savoured, from breakfast to dinner. Considering the growing trend of healthy eating, finding creative ways of eating walnuts will give you the opportunity to eat in a healthy way while at the same time adding flavours to your meals.
Roasted Salted Walnuts
A simple yet delicious snack that is perfect for any time of day is roasted salted walnuts. To prepare them first, heat your oven to 175°C. After uniformly spreading the raw walnuts on a baking sheet, roast them for ten to twelve minutes or until they are fragrant and golden brown. Watch them to avoid burning them. After roasting, take the walnuts out of the oven and, while still warm, season with salt.
For more flavour, experiment with other ingredients like cayenne pepper, paprika, or garlic powder. In addition to being a great snack on their own, roasted salted walnuts can be used for trail mixes, salads, muesli or yoghurt.
Walnut Milk
A healthy dairy substitute that is simple to prepare at home is walnut milk. First, soak 1 cup of raw walnuts in water for 4–6 hours or overnight to make walnut milk. Drain and rinse the walnuts well after soaking. Add 4 cups of fresh water to the soaked walnuts and blend until smooth. When mixing, you can add dates, vanilla essence, or a bit of salt. Strain the mixture into a clean container using cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to separate the liquid from the walnut pulp.
You may keep your walnut milk in the fridge for four to five days. You may drink this homemade walnut milk over cereal, in smoothies, or in coffee.
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Walnut Roti
A unique touch on classic Indian flatbreads, walnut rotis add flavour and nutrition by incorporating ground walnuts into the dough. To begin making walnut rotis, use a food processor to grind ½ cup of walnuts into a fine powder. Ground walnuts and whole wheat flour should be combined in a mixing dish. Water should be added gradually to create a soft dough. For around five minutes, knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a moist cloth and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
After the dough has rested, split it into small balls and use a rolling pin to form each ball into thin circles. On a heated skillet or tawa, cook the rotis till golden brown on both sides. You can serve walnut rotis with yoghurt or curries.
Walnut Chocolate Butter
The yummy flavours of chocolate and the nutty flavour of walnuts are combined to create a creamy spread known as walnut chocolate butter. To prepare this delicious treat, first roast 1 cup of walnuts at 175°C for around 10 minutes or until fragrant. Let the roasted walnuts cool a bit, then add them to a food processor with two tablespoons of cocoa powder and your preferred sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup). Blend until smooth; to guarantee an even consistency, you might need to scrape down the sides from time to time.
Put your walnut chocolate butter in an airtight jar and keep it in the fridge when it has completely blended into a smooth paste. You may eat this delicious spread as a dip for fruits or on toast or waffles.
Walnut Stuffed Dates
A simple yet appealing snack, walnut-stuffed dates blend the protein and healthy fats of walnuts with their natural flavour. The first step in making this yummy treat is to remove the pits from fresh Medjool dates, which are liked for their soft fe͏el and strong taste. After pitting, carefully place one entire walnut into each date cavity. If you are trying to improve the taste profile, consider adding spices (cardamom or cinnamon).
If desired, you can top the packed dates with honey for extra sweetness. Perfect for mid-day cravings or as part of a charcuterie board at parties, these walnut-stuffed dates are a great way to increase your energy levels.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
