Hazelnuts are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can add a nutty crunch to both sweet and savory dishes.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your brownies, add some texture to your salad, or make a creamy hazelnut butter, roasted hazelnuts are the perfect ingredient to have on hand.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use roasted hazelnuts in your cooking and baking.
So grab a handful of these tasty nuts and let’s get started!
What To Do With Roasted Hazelnuts
1. Add them to baked goods: Roasted hazelnuts are a great addition to baked goods like cookies, cakes, and tarts. They add a delicious nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Try adding them to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or sprinkle them on top of a fruit tart.
2. Make hazelnut butter: Hazelnut butter is a delicious spread that’s similar to peanut butter. To make it, simply blend roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. You can add a pinch of salt or sweetener if desired.
3. Use them in savory dishes: Roasted hazelnuts can also add flavor and texture to savory dishes like salads, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetables. Try tossing them with some roasted Brussels sprouts or adding them to a quinoa salad.
4. Make candied hazelnuts: Candied hazelnuts are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake. To make them, simply coat roasted hazelnuts in a mixture of sugar and water and bake until they’re caramelized.
5. Create your own nut mix: Roasted hazelnuts can be combined with other nuts like almonds, pecans, and cashews to create your own custom nut mix. Add some dried fruit or chocolate chips for an extra special treat.
Roasting Hazelnuts: How To Do It Right
Roasting hazelnuts is a simple process that can elevate their flavor and texture. Here are some tips on how to roast hazelnuts:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F: This is the ideal temperature for roasting hazelnuts. It’s hot enough to toast them but not so hot that they’ll burn.
2. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer: Whether you’re using a baking sheet or a frying pan, make sure the hazelnuts are spread out in a single layer. This ensures that they’ll roast evenly.
3. Stir occasionally: If you’re using an oven, stir the hazelnuts halfway through the roasting process. If you’re using a frying pan, stir them regularly to prevent burning.
4. Check for doneness: Hazelnuts are done when they’re golden brown and fragrant. The roasting time can vary depending on the size of the nuts and your oven, but it usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the skins (optional): If you want to remove the outer skins of the hazelnuts, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel while they’re still warm and rub vigorously. The skins should come off easily.
6. Let them cool: Roasted hazelnuts will continue to cook after they’re removed from the oven or pan, so it’s important to let them cool completely before using them in recipes or storing them.
By following these simple steps, you can roast hazelnuts to perfection and use them in a variety of delicious ways.
Sweet Treats: Hazelnut Chocolate Spread And Hazelnut Praline
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll love these two hazelnut-based treats: hazelnut chocolate spread and hazelnut praline. Both are perfect for spreading on toast, using as a dip for fruit, or adding to desserts.
Hazelnut chocolate spread, also known as homemade Nutella, is a decadent and creamy spread that’s easy to make at home. Simply blend roasted hazelnuts with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until they form a smooth paste. You can add some chocolate chips or melted chocolate for an extra chocolatey flavor. This homemade version is less sweet and more nutty than the store-bought version, and it’s made without any palm oil.
Hazelnut praline is a creamy paste made from roasted hazelnuts cooked in homemade sugar syrup. Traditionally used in French desserts like praline eclairs and macarons, hazelnut praline can be made in two ways: the “more traditional” method involves making a wet caramel with the hazelnuts, while the “less traditional” method involves toasting the hazelnuts and pouring caramel over them. A simplified version involves keeping the caramel and hazelnuts separate until they’re blended together in a food processor or blender.
To make hazelnut praline, simply roast the hazelnuts and remove their skins. Then, make a caramel by cooking sugar until it turns into a deep amber color. Pour the caramel onto a piece of baking paper or silicone mat and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Blend the caramel pieces with the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor or blender until you get a creamy paste.
Both hazelnut chocolate spread and hazelnut praline are versatile treats that can be used in many different ways. Spread them on toast or use them as a dip for fruit slices. Add them to your favorite desserts like cakes, brownies, and ice cream. You can even use hazelnut praline as a filling for macarons or other French pastries. With these two sweet treats, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy roasted hazelnuts.
Savory Additions: Hazelnut Crusted Chicken And Hazelnut Pesto
Hazelnuts aren’t just for sweet dishes. They can also add a delicious savory flavor to your meals. One way to incorporate them into savory dishes is by using them as a crust for chicken. To make hazelnut crusted chicken, simply coat chicken breasts in crushed roasted hazelnuts and breadcrumbs before baking or frying them. The result is a crispy, flavorful crust that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
Another way to enjoy the savory side of hazelnuts is by making hazelnut pesto. This versatile sauce can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for pasta dishes or roasted vegetables. To make it, blend roasted hazelnuts with garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. The result is a creamy, nutty sauce that’s packed with flavor.
Both hazelnut crusted chicken and hazelnut pesto are easy to make and add a unique twist to your usual dinner routine. Give them a try and discover the delicious savory side of roasted hazelnuts.
Nutty Snacks: Hazelnut Granola And Trail Mix
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy snack, look no further than hazelnut granola and trail mix. Roasted hazelnuts are the perfect addition to these snacks, adding a rich and nutty flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
To make hazelnut granola, start by roasting unsalted hazelnuts in the oven until they’re golden brown. Then, mix them with oats, maple syrup, and any other ingredients you like such as dried fruits or chocolate chips. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. This homemade granola is perfect for breakfast, as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or as a snack on its own.
For hazelnut trail mix, combine roasted hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds and cashews, as well as dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. You can also add some chocolate chips or coconut flakes for an extra special treat. This trail mix is perfect for taking on the go or for a mid-afternoon snack at work.
Both hazelnut granola and trail mix are easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. They’re also a great way to incorporate healthy nuts into your diet and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
Hazelnut Milk: A Dairy-Free Alternative
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk, homemade hazelnut milk is a delicious option. Not only is it vegan and lactose-free, but it’s also free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Making your own nut milk at home is easy and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up roasted hazelnuts!
To make hazelnut milk, all you need are two ingredients: roasted hazelnuts and water. Soak the hazelnuts for at least an hour before blending them with fresh water in a high-powered blender. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any pulp. The result is a rich and creamy milk that can be used in place of dairy milk in recipes or enjoyed on its own.
One of the benefits of making your own nut milk is that you can flavor it to your liking. Add some cocoa powder and dates for a chocolate hazelnut milk, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive holiday blend. You can also use the leftover hazelnut pulp in baked goods like muffins or granola.
Hazelnut Coffee: Elevating Your Morning Brew
If you’re a coffee lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like a good cup of coffee to start your day. But have you ever considered elevating your morning brew with the delicious flavor of roasted hazelnuts? Hazelnut coffee is not only a tasty treat, but it also provides a plethora of nutritional benefits.
Hazelnuts are rich in magnesium and omega-9 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve oxygen levels in the body. By grinding hazelnuts with your coffee grounds, you can add an extra nutty flavor to your morning cup of joe. Plus, using hazelnuts as a substitute for flavored creamers or syrups means you can avoid any chemical additives.
To make hazelnut coffee, start by roasting your hazelnuts in the oven until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Then, grind them into a coarse powder using a food processor or coffee grinder. Next, mix the ground hazelnuts with your coffee grounds in a ratio of two parts beans to one part nuts. Brew the blend in a French press for the perfect cup of hazelnut coffee.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some hazelnut oil to your brew for an extra boost of healthy fats. And if you’re on the go, consider trying Venture Pouches’ Hazy Hiker hazelnut flavor for an easy and delicious cup of hazelnut coffee wherever you are.
In conclusion, adding roasted hazelnuts to your morning brew is a tasty and nutritious way to elevate your coffee experience. So why not give it a try and start your day off on the right foot?
