Nuts can provide us with protein, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fatty acids.
And there are so many plant-based, fun recipes with nuts, and here we share 5 vegan favorites.
Most nuts benefit from soaking, which makes them more digestible. This is called "activating" nuts.
Cashew nuts need only a short time while almonds need to be soaked overnight.
Cashews, macadamia nuts, and pine nuts have the highest fat content and only need to be soaked for 2-4 hours.
NOTE! If you soak them for too long, you break down their health-promoting oils.
Brazil nuts should be eaten sparingly as they contain very high amounts of selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, so it's beneficial but not in excess, as with most things.
Learn more about how to activate nuts in this article.
Recipe 1: Cashew sauce with paprika, chili and thyme
2 dl cashew nuts (soaked)
2 dl water
2 garlic cloves
1 small chili (deseeded)
1 red bell pepper (deseeded) – for a more intense flavor, you can roast it in the oven first and then peel it
Fresh thyme and/or oregano
A little lemon juice (optional)
Mix everything in a powerful blender.
Recipe 2: Cashew sauce with Asian spices
2 dl cashew nuts (soaked)
2 dl water
2 garlic cloves
A piece of peeled, fresh ginger
Chopped lemongrass or cilantro to taste
A pinch of sea salt
Mix everything in a powerful blender
Recipe 3: Almond pesto
7 dl fresh basil / can be substituted with parsley if preferred
2 dl almonds (soaked overnight)
2-3 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 dl extra virgin organic olive oil
Mix everything in a powerful blender or food processor
Keeps well in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator.
Recipe 4: Macadamia pesto
5 dl fresh basil
45 grams macadamia nuts
2 tbsp pine nuts
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest (choose organic lemon)
1.5 dl extra virgin organic olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything in a powerful blender or food processor
Keeps well in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator.
Recipe 5: Vegan Parmesan cheese with nuts
Mix nuts of your choice into crumbs with garlic to taste, then add nutritional yeast and a little sea salt to taste. This is soo good with zucchini noodles, for example.
