Crunchy, delicate and super aromatic – toasted walnuts are perfect snack or delicious and nutritious addition to salads, soups, curries and desserts.
Learn how to toast walnuts for that perfect crunch, and check out where to use them.
Why should we toast walnuts?
- they become super crunchy and more delicate
- they loose bitterness
- they are delicious additions to salads, stews, soups and desserts
- they are easier to digest
- amazing smell will fill your kitchen
What do we need to toast walnuts?
WALNUTS
Walnuts are fantastic material for toasting. If you never liked this bitterness in them, you will be pleased to know it disappears after walnuts are toasted. They become delicate, super crunchy and their nutty flavor is just insanely scrumptious.
If you want to increase protein or omega-3 acids intake in your plant based diet, make sure to eat some walnuts on a regular basis. They are really one of the most healthy nuts available.
PAN OR BAKING TRAY
You can choose the most convenient method how to toast walnuts: in the oven or on the stove.
Why making toasted walnuts at home?
I almost never buy roasted nuts for a simple reason. Nuts that are already roasted may contain unwanted additions, like salt, oil or even sugar. Since nuts are already high in fat, there’s no need to add more of it, right? Same with salt. I prefer my toasted walnuts to be natural in flavor, so I can add them to various dishes as well as desserts.
How to toast walnuts – the temperature
Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fats, but unfortunately very high temperature can damage those healthy fats. That is why, it’s best to toast walnuts in slightly lower temperature, but for a longer time.
In some recipes you may find information about 180°C / 350°F temperature, but actually 140°C / 284°F is optimum.
How To Toast Walnuts?
Crunchy, delicate and super aromatic – toasted walnuts are perfect snack or nutritious addition to meals including cakes, soups, curries and.. cookies!
Total Time: 10 minutes
IN THE OVEN
1. Preheat oven to 140°C / 284°F.
Line baking tray with sheet of baking paper. You can also toast walnuts in the oven dish without baking paper.
2. Lay walnuts on a tray
Lay walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. It would be great if there was even small space between them for the hot air to circulate.
3. Bake walnuts
Bake walnuts first for 5 minutes. Then set your timer for 5-8 more minutes and watch the walnuts closely. If they start to turn brown and you feel strong smell, take them out of the oven.
4. Let the walnuts cool down
Take the walnuts out of the oven and let them sit to cool down. They will be very hot, so wait before you put them in an air tight container for storage.
ON THE STOVE
1. Heat the pan
Put your dry pan on a medium heat.
It is best to start with lower setting and make it higher if necessary.
2. Add walnuts
Lay walnut on a hot pan in a single layer with some space between them. Don’t try to toast too many in one batch.
3. Toss
Toss the walnuts on the pan few times while toasting. Make sure that all of them where flipped to the other side, so they are heated evenly.
Depending on your stove settings it should take about 10 minutes. Watch the walnuts closely toward the end, as the edges like to get burned.
4. Cool down
When your walnuts are ready take them off the pan and place on a plate to cool down. If you leave them on a hot pan and only turn off the heat, they will keep toasting.
HOW TO TOAST WALNUTS – ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Be very careful and watch walnuts last 2-4 minutes of baking. It is easy to burn them if they stay in the oven too long.
- Whether you toast walnuts in the oven or on the stove, place only one layer and make sure there is some space between the nuts. This way they will toast evenly.
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How to use Toasted Walnuts?
Toasted walnuts improve aroma and flavor of any dish you add them to. There are so many options.
SALADS
I love crunchy, nutty addition to fresh salad. I usually add toasted pumpkin seeds on Vegan Beet Salad with Feta, pictured below, but toasted walnuts would make amazing addition as well.
PESTO
Have you tried delicious red pesto before? If not, and you’re fan of sundried tomatoes and walnuts you have to try it ASAP!
OVERNIGHT OATS and OATMEALS
Crispy toasted walnuts are perfect addition to smooth oatmeal. I’ll soon post my favorite recipe for overnight oats with walnuts and bananas. Stay tuned!
COOKIES
There are countless recipes for cookies and cakes calling for walnuts. Try those delicious and delicate traditional Walnut Cookies.
BREAD
Baking bread and experimenting with various additions is fantastic. Try adding chopped toasted walnuts to this Easy Homemade Bread and I am sure you will not regret it.
SMOOTHIES
Yes, that’s correct. If you’re looking for a way to make your smoothies more nutritious and satisfying, adding nuts is a great way to do it.
How to store Toasted Walnuts?
Keep toasted walnuts in airtight container. Since toasting actually shortens shelf life of these nuts, it’s safer to store them in the fridge.
How did you like my guide on How To Toast Walnuts? Feel free to share it on Pinterest and Yummly!
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