Are you a fan of hazelnuts?
Do you love the rich, buttery flavor they bring to your baked goods and other recipes?
If so, you may have heard of hazelnut meal or ground hazelnuts.
But are they the same thing?
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two ingredients.
Whether you’re a baker looking to add some nutty goodness to your creations or simply curious about the world of nut flours, read on to learn more about hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts.
Is Hazelnut Meal The Same As Ground Hazelnuts
The short answer is yes, hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts are the same thing.
Hazelnut meal is made by grinding whole hazelnuts into a fine powder. This powder may contain both fine and coarse grains, similar to cornmeal.
Ground hazelnuts, on the other hand, are simply whole hazelnuts that have been ground up. The resulting texture may be slightly coarser than hazelnut meal.
Despite these slight differences in texture, both hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts can be used interchangeably in most recipes. They both offer the same rich, nutty flavor that hazelnuts are known for.
What Is Hazelnut Meal?
Hazelnut meal, also known as hazelnut flour, is a gluten-free flour substitute made by grinding whole hazelnuts into a fine powder. Unlike wheat flour, hazelnut meal contains no gluten and is low in starches. It is a great option for those following a low-carbohydrate or paleo diet, or for those who are gluten intolerant.
Hazelnut meal can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in many recipes, but it should be used in conjunction with other flours because of its lack of gluten and starch. It is also important to note that the ratio of hazelnut meal to other flours will vary depending on the recipe.
Hazelnut meal is a great addition to baked goods, pastries, and pastas, and it can also be used as a coating for proteins like chicken and fish. It adds a rich and nutty flavor to any dish, making it a popular choice for those looking to add some variety to their cooking.
What Are Ground Hazelnuts?
Ground hazelnuts are simply whole hazelnuts that have been processed into a fine powder. This process involves roasting the hazelnuts to enhance their flavor, and then grinding them into a powder using a food processor or blender.
Ground hazelnuts may contain both fine and coarse grains, depending on the desired texture. They are commonly used as a substitute for flour in gluten-free recipes, as they are naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates.
Ground hazelnuts are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and copper. They offer a rich, nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes, from baked goods to savory dishes like chicken or fish.
How Are Hazelnut Meal And Ground Hazelnuts Similar?
Hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts are similar in that they are both made from whole hazelnuts that have been ground up. They both contain the same nutritional benefits of hazelnuts, including healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Additionally, both can be used as a substitute for traditional wheat flour in recipes for those who are gluten-free or looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Whether you use hazelnut meal or ground hazelnuts, you can expect a rich and buttery flavor that is distinct to hazelnuts.
How Are Hazelnut Meal And Ground Hazelnuts Different?
While hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts are essentially the same thing, there are some slight differences in texture. Hazelnut meal is typically ground into a finer powder, while ground hazelnuts may have a slightly coarser texture.
However, both can be used interchangeably in recipes, and both offer the same delicious nutty flavor that hazelnuts are known for. When using either hazelnut meal or ground hazelnuts in baking, it is important to keep in mind that they do not contain gluten and are light on starches. Therefore, they should be used in conjunction with other flours to provide structure and texture to baked goods.
Can You Substitute One For The Other?
While hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts are essentially the same product, there may be some slight differences in texture that could affect the outcome of your recipe. Hazelnut meal is typically finer and more uniform, which makes it a better choice for recipes where texture is important, such as cakes and cookies. Ground hazelnuts, on the other hand, may be better suited for recipes where a coarser texture is desired, such as in pie crusts or crumbles.
When substituting one for the other, keep in mind that the texture of your final product may be slightly different. If you’re using ground hazelnuts in place of hazelnut meal, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to compensate for the coarser texture. Conversely, if you’re using hazelnut meal in place of ground hazelnuts, you may need to add a bit more flour or another binding agent to help hold your recipe together.
Recipes Using Hazelnut Meal And Ground Hazelnuts.
Hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes. Here are some delicious ideas to try:
1. Hazelnut Cookies: Hazelnut cookies are a classic use for ground hazelnuts. These cookies are dense and crumbly, with a rich, nutty flavor. Drizzle them with dark chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
2. Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: This cake is rich and fudgy, with a wonderful nutty flavor from ground hazelnuts. It’s perfect for a special occasion or as a decadent dessert.
3. Grain-Free Hazelnut Brownies: These brownies are made with a combination of hazelnut flour and almond flour, for a rich, nutty flavor. They’re also grain-free, making them a great option for those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
4. Hazelnut Coconut Cookies: These cookies are made with both hazelnut meal and shredded coconut, for a deliciously nutty and tropical flavor. They’re easy to make and don’t require a mixer.
5. Pear Salad with Blue Cheese and Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to this savory salad, which also features creamy chunks of blue cheese and sweet pears.
6. Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken: Ground hazelnuts make a great coating for chicken or fish. Simply coat the protein in ground hazelnuts before baking or frying for a deliciously nutty crust.
7. Hazelnut Pesto: Pesto doesn’t have to be made with pine nuts – try using ground hazelnuts instead! The resulting pesto will have a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with pasta, chicken, or fish.
Whether you’re looking to add some nutty flavor to your baked goods or savory dishes, hazelnut meal and ground hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient to have on hand. Experiment with these recipes or come up with your own creations using this delicious ingredient.
