To make hazelnut flour, you will need whole hazelnuts, preferably with the skin removed. This can be done by blanching the hazelnuts in boiling water for about a minute and then rubbing them vigorously with a clean towel to remove the skin. Once the hazelnuts are skinless, spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until they become golden brown and fragrant. Roasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor.
Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool completely before placing them in a food processor or blender. Pulse the nuts until they are finely ground. Make sure not to overprocess, as this can turn the hazelnuts into hazelnut butter. If desired, you can sift the ground hazelnuts through a fine mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces, resulting in a finer flour.
Once you have made your hazelnut flour, a world of possibilities awaits. You can use it as a substitute for wheat flour in cakes, cookies, bread, muffins, and more. The rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts pairs well with , fruits, and spices. Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire you:
1. Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace a portion or all of the flour in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with hazelnut flour. The flavor combination of chocolate and hazelnuts is unbeatable.
2. Hazelnut Pancakes: Mix hazelnut flour with gluten-free flour or oat flour to make a delightful stack of fluffy pancakes. Serve them with maple syrup and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast treat.
3. Hazelnut Crusted Chicken: For a savory twist, use hazelnut flour as a coating for chicken breasts. Dip the chicken in beaten egg, then coat with a mixture of hazelnut flour, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Bake or pan-fry until crispy and golden brown.
4. Hazelnut Banana Bread: Add a nutty twist to your favorite banana bread recipe by substituting part of the flour with hazelnut flour. The result is a moist and flavorful loaf that will please your taste buds.
5. Hazelnut Energy Balls: Combine hazelnut flour, dates, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls for a nutritious and satisfying snack on the go.
Experimenting with hazelnut flour opens up a whole new world of flavors and textures in your cooking and baking endeavors. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to try something new, making and using hazelnut flour is a wonderful way to inject some nutty deliciousness into your recipes. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some hazelnuts, and start grinding!