Walnut, also called akhrot in Bengali and Hindi, is a popular dry fruit. It has a wonderful nutritional profile. Walnut is good for health, hair and skin.
Unfortunately, many consider the taste of walnut dull and bland. In this blog, I will share some wonderful walnut recipes that will force you to change your opinion about this healthy dry fruit.
Walnut or Akhrot is a type of tree nut that is commonly consumed as a food. It is rich in nutrients and is known for its various health benefits.
The walnut tree is native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
There are several varieties of walnuts, but the most commonly consumed ones are English or Persian walnuts.
Walnuts are usually eaten as a snack, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, dips, baked goods, and desserts.
Use of Walnuts in Indian Cuisines
There are several ways to incorporate walnuts in your diet. You can consume them raw or cooked.
Many like me love the flavour of roasted walnuts. Whatever way you prefer to eat walnuts, it will add some crunches, nutrition and flavour to your meal.
Dips and Salads
Dips and salads are appetizing starters. Try these to entertain your taste buds. Walnut and red capsicum dip will be a great delight on your plate.
Distinct flavours of these two ingredients mingle to produce the delicious dip on a mild, spicy note.
The soothing colour, mind-blowing flavour and exquisite texture – what more do you need to fall in love with it?
Let us now relish a crunchy salad blessed with the goodness of curd and walnut. Toss some other fruits of your liking and make it a rich storehouse of nutrition.
Walnut also makes its way to spicy curries. Heard about akhrot murgh? The rich curry will be a luxury on your platter.
The creamy texture and flavour along with the slight crunchiness of walnut will make you feel that the concept of heaven originated in Indian kitchens.
Chutney
Walnut chutney is an easy, quick and healthy side kick to accompany the most popular South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, upma and pongam.
The gluten-free creamy delight with nutty flavour is a good source of fibre, health fats, protein and antioxidants. A minty garnish will take the flavour up.
Walnut and mint chutney create a rich, creamy and earthy texture that go best with any evening snack.
Halwa
Who does not like halwa? This time, try apple halwa at your home. Sliced apples slowly cooked with mawa in milk, sweetened by sugar and embellished with loads of walnut toppings will give your seasoned taste buds a twisty delight.
Apple, oats and walnut kheer is loaded with goodness of these three musketeers. This nutritious recipe will perk up your energy level and keep you full for hours. Sprinkle almonds on the top to make the texture and flavour more exciting!
Bakes, Cakes, Cookies & More
Who says making desserts is time consuming? Think about walnut barfi and you can make it in a jiffy. The milk powder offsets the taste of salty walnuts. The exciting contrast drops a ‘flavour’ bomb on your platter.
Kids usually love the nutty bites and flavours of dry fruits. You can use walnuts to make cookies, cakes, mousses, brownies, muffins and ice-creams.
Chocolate walnut cookies are a big crush for all, from kids to elderly people. Walnut will always live up to your expectations in all recipes. A nutty dash will make all these too refreshing to resist!
Don’t like the flavour of egg in cake? Switch to apple and banana cake. This full-of-flavours output will be a lovely, delectable treat for your guests this upcoming Christmas.
Walnut cake is an exciting desert to relish and best enjoyed with yogurt or creams. An unusual combination! If the look is tempting, the taste will take the temptation to an insane greed!
Walnut shortbread is a less familiar name to most Indians. The baked delight with tantalizing flavour is a delicious gift to meet your sweet craving.
Welcome walnuts in your daily meal. Love it for its crunches and taste; it will love you back with an awesome truckload of nutrition.
How Does Walnut Taste?
Walnuts have a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The taste is often described as earthy or woody, and it has a unique texture that is crunchy and slightly oily.
When toasted, the nuttiness and sweetness are more pronounced, making them a popular addition to salads, baked goods, and other dishes.
Overall, walnuts are considered to have a delicious and versatile taste, which is why they are used in a wide variety of recipes and cuisines around the world.
What Happens If You Boil Walnuts?
Boiling walnuts can soften their texture and make them easier to chew and digest. However, it can also cause the nuts to lose some of their nutrients and flavor.
Additionally, boiling walnuts may result in a slightly bitter taste, as the boiling process can release tannins from the nuts.
If you plan to use boiled walnuts in a recipe, you should take into account the impact the boiling process will have on the taste and texture of the nuts.
Alternatively, you may want to consider roasting or toasting the walnuts instead, as this can help bring out their natural flavor and add a delicious nutty crunch to your dish.
Raw walnuts can be used in a variety of recipes and can be cooked in different ways, depending on the dish you want to make. Here are some ways to cook raw walnuts:
Roasting: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 8 to 10 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Pan-frying: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the raw walnuts and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Grinding: Raw walnuts can also be ground into a paste or flour using a food processor or blender. This is commonly used in baking recipes for cakes, breads, and pastries.
Raw walnuts can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, stir-fries, and baked goods.
Conclusion
Walnut is a nutrient-rich dry fruit that is beneficial for health.
Although many find the taste of walnuts dull and bland, there are several delicious recipes that incorporate them, including dips, salads, curries, chutneys, halwas, and baked goods.
Walnuts have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are versatile in a wide range of cuisines worldwide.
Boiling walnuts can make them easier to chew and digest, but it may cause them to lose some nutrients and flavor.
Toasting or roasting walnuts is a better alternative to enhance their natural flavor and texture.
Incorporating walnuts in daily meals can add nutrition, flavor, and crunch to your diet.
