Nuts & Seeds

Nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, they can be expensive, so it's best to buy them in bulk. They complement any meals, both savory and sweet, and make great snacks. I use the nuts below quite often in my cooking and use other nuts from time to time.

These are the nuts I can't live without:

Pine nuts

I love these nuts and buy them in bulk. These nuts appear quite often in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. These are the original nuts used in pesto, although people often replace them with other nuts which aren't as tasty. It's also my goto nut for quick spinach salads-I toast them and add it to baby spinach, with shaved parmesan and thinly sliced onions. Sometimes I add them to rice dishes as well to give them a little pizazz. I always toast them ahead of time.

Almonds

These are great nuts and really good for you. I have a Vitamix so I can make almond butter and chop them to make truffles. Whole almonds are best.

Walnuts

I like to toast walnuts in the oven (350 degrees for 20 minutes) if I'm having a party. I toss them in olive or coconut oil and throw some spice on them like ras el hanout or simply cinnamon. I've adapted the Middle Eastern recipe below by using these spiced walnuts instead of regular walnuts. I also enjoy toasted walnuts in salads as well. 

Carrot, Walnut, Red Lentil hummus

https://www.blissfulbasil.com/carrot-walnut-red-lentil-hummus/

Pistachio

I love pistachios and they appear often in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. I am never without them.

Seeds are another great source of fiber and vitamins. I use them often in truffles, sauteeing and salads.

Sesame Seeds

These are great in many things and are the base for making tahini. Many times when tahini is called for in a recipe, I'll make it myself. You can buy unhulled seeds, and white, or black sesame.

Pepitas

I love these and throw them in everything. I buy them roasted since they have such a nice flavor. They go particularly well with Latino food.

 Chia Seeds

These seeds are full of omega 3s. They are to be used in liquid (not too hot) and give them a few minutes to plump up. They are a good thickener and the only one I use due to the nutritional value. You can make coconut pudding by putting them in slightly warm coconut milk. I also put them in with my oatmeal when I make overnight oats.