Healthy Hazelnut January Recipes
5 Delicious Recipes
January is a time of resolutions and fresh starts, and what better way to kick off the year than with some delicious and healthy recipes that feature one of nature's most nutritious nuts – hazelnuts! Not only do hazelnuts have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory dishes, but they are also packed with health benefits. Hazelnuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any diet. Here are some healthy hazelnut recipes that are perfect for January or anytime you want to eat something delicious!
Hazelnut and Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Start your day off on the right foot with this delicious and nutritious breakfast bowl. To make it, simply cook up some oatmeal and top it with mashed banana, chopped hazelnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk of your choice
- 1 medium banana
- 1/4 cup chopped King Fresh Hazelnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sweetener of your choice)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a boil. Once boiling, add the oats and stir. Reduce the heat to low and let the oats simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency.
- While the oats are cooking, mash the banana in a small bowl with a fork.
- Once the oats are cooked, divide them into two bowls.
- Top each bowl of oats with half of the mashed banana, 1/8 cup of chopped hazelnuts, and 1/2 tablespoon of honey.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast bowl!
Optional: you can also add some blueberries, raspberries or other fruits of your choice.
Tips:
- If you prefer your oats sweeter, add more honey or sweetener of your choice.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk and agave syrup or maple syrup in place of honey.
- If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free oats.
- You can also make this recipe with quick oats, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Hazelnut and Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl, packed with healthy fats, protein and antioxidants, perfect to start your day on the right foot!
Hazelnut and Spinach Salad
Salads don't have to be boring! This salad is packed with healthy greens and topped with a delicious hazelnut vinaigrette. To make the vinaigrette, simply blend together hazelnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped King Fresh Hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves, chopped hazelnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the hazelnut vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the hazelnut vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious salad!
Optional: you can also add some diced chicken, turkey or other proteins of your choice to make it more filling.
Tips:
- If you prefer your salad less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or leave it out altogether.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, leave out the feta cheese and use agave syrup or maple syrup in place of honey.
- You can also toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, until fragrant and golden brown, for added flavor and crunch.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Hazelnut and Spinach Salad, packed with greens and healthy fats, perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Hazelnut and Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a great way to get in some protein and healthy fats. Simply marinate chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped hazelnuts and grill until cooked through.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped King Fresh Hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped hazelnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or a bowl and pour the hazelnut marinade over the chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious skewers!
Optional: you can also add some bell peppers, mushrooms or other vegetables of your choice to make it more colorful and tasty.
Tips:
- You can also cook the skewers in the oven at 375F for 15-20 minutes
Hazelnut and Chocolate Energy Bites
These energy bites are the perfect snack for when you need a pick-me-up. They are made with hazelnuts, oats, and chocolate, making them both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground King Fresh Roasted Hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse the oats and ground hazelnuts until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the honey or maple syrup, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, chia seeds and vanilla extract. Pulse until the mixture comes together and forms a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious and nutritious energy bites!
These energy bites are perfect for a healthy snack or a quick breakfast on the go. They are also gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free depending on the sweetener you use
Tips:
- You can also roll the energy bites in chopped hazelnuts or cocoa powder for added texture and flavor.
- The energy bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can also add protein powder, nut butter or other ingredients to make it more nutritious and filling.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Hazelnut and Chocolate Energy Bites, packed with healthy fats, protein, antioxidants, and a touch of sweetness!
Hazelnut and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto can be a comforting and hearty dish, but it doesn't have to be heavy. This version is made with a mushroom broth and topped with chopped hazelnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake)
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 3 cups mushroom broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped King Fresh Hazelnuts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their liquid.
- Stir in the Arborio rice, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is slightly toasted.
- Slowly add the mushroom broth or vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly. Allow each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next one.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is cooked through and the risotto is creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and stir in grated parmesan cheese and chopped hazelnuts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious and nutritious risotto!
Tips:
- You can also add some white wine for added flavor, just add it when you add the rice and stir until the liquid is absorbed
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, leave out the parmesan cheese and add a little nutritional yeast and more olive oil or vegan butter.
- You can also add some herbs like thyme or parsley to make it more flavorful
There You Have It!
These are just a few examples of how you can incorporate hazelnuts into your diet in a healthy way. Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory, so don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own delicious creations. Happy cooking!