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Hazel Nuts as “Water Chestnuts” - Well why not give it a go?

Hazel Nuts as “Water Chestnuts”

We have a large Hazel bust nearby and on Squirrels to pinch them, so at this time of year we have quite a good supply of very big nuts. They are the size of a small Conker this year. Apparently nuts have a demographic status in Chinese Cuisine….”Peanuts = Everyman - Hazel Nuts = Middle class and thriving - Walnuts = Elite and above”. So with the idea of using Hazel Nuts as a local and free alternative to Water Chestnuts we set about pottering yesterday.

Ingredients:-

A large bowl of foraged Hazel Nuts
A hammer or Nut cracker (I used a hammer on the kitchen floor!!!!)
Bicarbonate of Soda.

Method:-

(1) Preheat the oven to 250c.
(2) Lay the nuts on an oven proof tray in a single layer.
(3) Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Those which explode are the ones with no actual nut inside. Which saves you smacking them later!
(4) Remove the tray and cool enough to be able to handle the roasted nuts.
(5) Crack open and remove the roasted nuts and bin the shells.
(6) Boil a small pan of water with 2 table spoon of Bicarbonate of Soda and simmer the nuts for 10 minutes. Interestingly the water turns a dark purple…..
(7) Drain and cool.
(8) Once cool enough to handle the brown coating will rub away with ease.

Your roasted and cleaned nuts are now good to add at the beginning of a Chinese style stir-fry just after the Onions and Garlic. You can then set them aside and re-add at the end. They really do add a great flavour and crunchy texture.

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Stuffed Pork Loin recipe, eat well on universal credit

The British Pork offer at the local supermarket meant this this rather large whole loin was just over £3. It deserved something special, so Sue went to work on it!

Ingredients:-

1 Pork Tenderloin, butterflied
6 Cloves of Garlic, minced
8 Shallots, finely diced
4 Sundried Tomatoes, finely diced
4 Sliced of Smokey Bacon, finely diced
A Handful of Basil Leaves, finely chopped
1 Tbsp of Dairy free Margarine
175ml of White Wine
120ml of Almond Milk
2 Tbsp of Ground Almonds
½ Tsp of American style Yellow Mustard
The juice of a Lemon
2 Tbsp of Oil
Salt & Pepper to Season
Parsley to Garnish

Method:-

(1) In a pan over a medium heat add the Margarine and 1 Tbsp of Oil.
(2) Add the Bacon and fry for 5 minutes.
(3) Add the Shallots frying until softened, then add the Garlic.
(4) Fry for a further minute.
(5) Add the Sundried Tomatoes, Basil and Lemon Juice, allowing to simmer for 2 minutes.
(6) Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
(7) Season the Pork with Salt & Pepper.
(8) Spread half of the cooled mixture inside the Loin and tie with Kitchen String.
(9) Add the remaining Oil to a fresh pan and sear on all sides over a high heat.
(10) Remove from the pan and place in an oven proof dish.
(11) Cover with foil and place in a pre-heated oven at 170c for 20 minutes, or until the Pork is cooked through.
(12) Return the remaining mixture to a medium head.
(13) Add the White Wine and simmer for 5 minutes.
(14) Combine the Ground Almonds with the Almond Milk and add to the sauce.
(15) Stir to avoid it sticking to the pan and add the Mustard.
(16) Remove the Pork and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
(17) Cut into thick sliced and pour over the sauce.
(18) Garnish with Parsley.

We served ours with Corn on the Cob, New Potatoes and Broccoli and it was a real treat.
 
 

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