Cooking flavors nuts
in 2 easy steps
Did you know that nuts are a delicious way to enhance the flavour and texture of your favourite recipes?
With the right seasoning, they'll become the secret ingredient for turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one! Here are a few tips and tricks for cooking with nuts.
Nuts to keep on hand to boost your dishes
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
- And more!
Step 1: pick the right seasoning
Once you choose your main course, you can use seasoned nuts to elevate its flavour and make it healthier. And when it comes to seasonings, the possibilities are endless! Sweet nuts can be a tasty addition to desserts, breakfasts (pancakes, French toast), or even a hearty salad. Salty nuts for their part pair well with your favourite pesto pasta recipe or soup. Finally, sweet and salty toasted nuts can be a delicious snack to satisfy cravings between meals. As for the amount of seasoning you should add, that's all up to you. The more seasoning you add, the spicier or sweeter they'll be!
Seasoning for your sweet tooth
- Maple glazed nuts
- Honey glazed nuts
- Cinnamon and butter candied nuts
- Cinnamon sugar candied nuts
Spice blends that will please the whole family
- Cumin, salt, and pepper
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Sriracha and honey (or maple syrup) for an extra kick
Step 2: choosing your cooking method
Once you know what seasoning you want, it's time to pick your mode of cooking. Sautéing nuts in a pan is as tasty as roasting them in the oven, but the logistics are obviously not the same. For instance, if you're already using the oven to bake a dessert or other dish, the pan will be more practical. But if you're cooking on the stovetop, the oven is the way to go!
Sautéed
Combine the nuts and seasoning of your choice in a bowl. Heat a drizzle of olive in a pan on medium. Cook the nuts while gently stirring or until they're slightly toasted. It should take about 4 to 5 minutes to get the results you want.
Oven-roasted
Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Combine the nuts with the seasoning of your choice in a bowl. Spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pecans, almonds and walnuts will need to be baked for 8 to 10 minutes. If you're using pistachios, bake for only 6 minutes. In any case, keep an eye on the oven because they might roast quicker than expected.
Using nuts without going over budget
Check your flyer for deals on Irresistibles and Selection mixed nuts. And when they're on sale, you can purchase a bigger quantity and freeze what you don't use. That way you'll be saving and keeping your nuts fresh for longer. They're incredibly easy to thaw when you need them.
Sweet, salty, or both, roasted in the oven or toasted in a pan, in a soup, salad, or as a snack: nuts are simply delicious. Don't be afraid to get creative with seasoning and use what you have in the pantry!
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