Flavor, texture, aroma, nutrients: you name it, nuts and seeds have got it! In fact, it’s hard to think of another ingredient that brings more to the table pound for pound. It’s not surprising that more and more families are looking for new ways to incorporate nuts and seeds into their meals. That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to show you how easy it is to enhance your rice recipes with the addition of nuts and seeds. From tasty mains to sweet desserts, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s look at some crunch to your cooking!
Benefits of Eating Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, not to mention a great source of energy. They are also versatile ingredients as they can be eaten raw or added to cooked recipes. What’s more, they are a great way to add protein to vegan and vegetarian dishes. Let’s take a look now at some of the best nuts to use in rice recipes and how you can get the most out of them.
Adding Nuts to Salads
Salads are always a popular choice at mealtimes. Not only are they quick and easy to make, they’re also super flexible when it comes to ingredients. If you’re looking to jazz up your salad recipes, then nuts and seeds are the way to go. Here’s a short summary that features some of the best nuts and seeds to add to salads:
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pine Nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Cashews
- Brazil Nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Chia seeds
- Peanuts
With those ingredients in mind, we have two awesome salad recipes for you! This Jasmine Rice Salad with Asian Chicken is elevated by the simple addition of sweet and crunchy cashew nuts. Alternatively, if you like your salad recipes to include a little fruity zest, check out this Fruit Rice Salad with pecans. It’s the perfect salad to take with you outdoors on a picnic.
Cooking with Pine Nuts
With their nutty aroma and sweet aftertaste, it’s no wonder pine nuts are such a popular ingredient in rice recipes. Their unique flavor makes them particularly suitable for use in savory dishes. In terms of texture, they are not quite as hard and crunchy as some of their counterparts, which means that they pair especially well with grains like rice and quinoa. In this Brown Rice Shiitake Mushroom Pilaf, the addition of pine nuts adds a whole extra dimension to the meal’s texture and taste. Similarly, pine nuts work great in basmati rice salads. You’ll love how this recipe for Moroccan Rice and Chicken Salad is taken up a notch when you add pine nuts to the mix. Try this one out at your next gathering and don’t be surprised if your pals hound you for the recipe!
Pistachio Nuts in Rice Recipes
Savory in taste and with an earthy aroma, pistachios are another great option when you are looking to add something extra to your meals. They have a soft, chewy texture and are not as crunchy as other nuts and seeds. That’s probably why they work so well in this Creamy Pancetta Rice. Made with Mahatma® Wholegrain Brown Rice, it’s a fragrant dish that boasts a diverse range of ingredients—cranberries, red onion, pancetta bacon— and satisfies in much the same way as your typical risotto recipe.
Crave-Worthy Desserts with Almonds
We’ve already seen how nuts and seeds can elevate salads and main dishes, so let’s look now at how your favorite dessert recipes can be improved. What better place to start than with America’s favorite dessert: rice pudding? Sweet, creamy, and fragrant, this Eggnog Rice Pudding gets taken to the next level with a sprinkle of crunchy almonds on top. Similarly, this Almond Milk Rice Pudding provides a unique flavor boost to our beloved rice pudding.
How to Make Almond Milk at Home
It’s official, almond milk is taking the world by storm! In fact, most stores now keep a wide range of brands and varieties in stock to meet the demand. What you probably didn’t know is that homemade almond milk is relatively easy to make. Just follow these easy steps:
- Leave 1 cup of almonds to soak overnight in water.
- Drain the water and add almonds to the blender.
- Add 2 cups of water.
- Blend for approximately 1 minute, or until no chunks are visible in the mix.
- Strain and serve.
- Chef’s tip: to give your almond milk a little sweetness, add vanilla extract or honey.
Unleash the Power of Chia Seeds in Your Breakfast
If you’re someone who subscribes to the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day then Mahatma® Rice has a powerful new breakfast recipe for you. This Tropical Jasmine Rice with Quinoa Breakfast Bowl harnesses the powers of fragrant, jasmine rice with nutty, protein-packed quinoa and fiber-rich chia seeds to give you a breakfast that’s sure to set you and your family off on the right foot first thing in the morning. For more ways to make breakfast time exciting check out our rice breakfasts blog.
At Mahatma® Rice, we believe that it’s good to #playwithyourfood. To play is to experiment, and when it comes to recipes using nuts and seeds, it couldn’t be easier to do so. Be sure to follow our blog for more expert advice and cooking tips.
