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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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Goan Prawn Curry recipe, eat well on universal credit

This was a real hit with us. Neither of us are keen on Coconut Milk, so Sue created an alternative using ground Cashew Nuts and Yogurt. Which worked remarkably well.

Ingredients for the Masala Paste:-

1 Tbsp of Coriander Seeds
1 Tsp of Cumin Seeds
1 Stick of Cinnamon  or ½ Tsp of Powder
½ Tsp of Peppercorns
2 Dried Red Chillies
¼ Tsp of Gloves
3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
½ a Tsp of Water

Ingredients for the Curry:-

400g of King Prawns
½ Tbsp of Mustard Seeds
6 Curry Leaves
1 Thumb of Ginger, grated
2 Hot Green Chillies, pierced
1 Onion, finely diced
1/ 4 Tsp of Chilli Powder
1 Tsp of Turmeric
½ Tsp of Cumin powder
¾ Tsp of Coriander powder
100ml of Tomato Puree + Water
½ Tsp of dried Fenugreek
¼ Tsp of Black Peppercorns
1/2 Tsp of Pomegranate Molasses
50g of Cashew nuts, ground
2 Tbsp of Plain Yogurt
2 Tbsp of Oil

Method:-

(1) Dry fry the Masala spices until fragrant and allow to cool.
(2) Grind to a smooth paste.
(3) For the Curry, add Oil to a pan and fry the Mustard Seeds until they pop.
(4) Add the Curry Leaves and cook for a minute.
(5) Add the Ginger and Chillies, sauté for a minute.
(6) Stir in the Onions and cook until golden brown.
(7) Add the Masala Paste, Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder and Turmeric.
(8) Cook on a low heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
(9) Stir in the Tomato Puree and a dish of Water.
(10) Simmer for 2 minutes.
(11) Add the Fenugreek and Black Pepper.
(12) Add the Yogurt and Ground Cashew Nuts, Salt and Pomegranate Molasses.
(13) Simmer gently and allow to thicken.
(14) Add the Prawns and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes.
(15) Garnish with fresh Coriander Leaves.
 

We served ours on a bed of Wild Rice / White Rice with home fried Popadums.

 

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