When it comes to food, children can be the toughest critics! One day, it’s their absolute favourite; the next, it’s met with a suspicious stare and a firm “no, thank you!” This Children’s Day, turn mealtime into something little foodies can look forward to with a delicious twist on familiar favoritesFrom comforting Masala Macaroni with California Walnut Meat and fluffy California Walnut and Banana Pancakes to irresistible California Walnut, Chocolate and Date Bark, these recipes bring together fun flavours, exciting textures and the wholesome goodness of California WalnutsPacked with beneficial nutrients, including plant-based omega-3 ALA, California Walnuts make a versatile addition to everyday meals and celebratory treats alikeSo, get ready to delight those tiny taste buds and make every bite a little more special!
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Masala Macaroni with California Walnut Meat
Masala Macaroni with California Walnut Meat – Shumaila Chauhan
Ingredients
For the California walnut Meat Crumble
½ cup California walnuts
¼ cup cooked lentils (masoor or moong)
1 small clove garlic
½ teaspoon cumin powder
¼ teaspoon red chili powder
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon soya sauce
For the Masala Macaroni
1 cup macaroni pasta
2 tablespoons pasta water
1 tablespoon oil or ghee
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon chili flakes
½ teaspoon garlic
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green chili, chopped (optional)
¼ cup capsicum, diced (optional)
½ inch ginger, grated
1 large tomato, blanched and crushed
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon pizza seasoning
Fresh coriander leaves, cheese and chopped California walnuts for garnish
Preparation
For the California walnut Meat Crumble
1Dry roast California walnuts on low heat for 2–3 minutes until aromaticCool slightly.
2Add all ingredients to a food processorPulse a few times until you get a crumbly, minced textureDo not over-process.
3In a nonstick pan, lightly sauté the mixture with 1 teaspoon oil for 4–5 minutes on low flame, until slightly brownedSet aside.
For the Masala Macaroni
4Cook macaroni in salted water until just doneDrain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
5Heat oil in a panAdd cumin seeds and let them splutterAdd in chili flakes and garlic.
6Add onion, green chili, and gingerSauté until golden.
7Add tomatoes and cook till softAdd a splash of water and cook till jammy.
8Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and saltMix well.
9Fold in the cooked California walnut-lentil crumble, oregano, ketchup and pizza seasoning.
10Mix and cook for 2–3 minutes to infuse flavors.
11Add drained pasta and a few spoons of reserved water to loosen the mix.
12Toss well to coat all pieces in masala and California walnut mix.
13Garnish with some chopped California walnuts, coriander and cheese.
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Fluffy California Walnut and Banana Pancakes
Fluffy California Walnut and Banana Pancakes
Ingredients
For Maple California walnut Cream
1/2 cup California walnuts
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 tablespoon cinnamon
For Pancakes
1 medium-size very ripe banana
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus additional tablespoon for skillet
1/3 cup liquid egg whites
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped California walnuts
Preparation
1To prepare Maple California walnut cream, place all ingredients in a small food processor and process until light and fluffy.
2Mash banana with a fork in a large bowl and stir in milk and melted butterStir together dry ingredients in a medium bowl and stir into banana mixture, being careful to not overmix(A few small lumps are ok.)
3Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form in a medium bowlWorking in 3 batches, lightly fold into batter, folding just until egg whites are incorporated.
4Coat a very large skillet with 1/2 tablespoon melted butter or nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-low heatScoop about 1/4 cup batter into skillet for each pancake.
5Cook until very bubbly on the surface, then turn and cook for 30 seconds moreServe immediately with Maple California walnut cream.
6Sprinkle chopped California walnuts evenly on top.
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California Walnut, Chocolate and Date Bark
California Walnut, Chocolate and Date Bark
Ingredients
150g California Walnuts, plus 25g chopped
1 teaspoon water
100g plain chocolate, chopped
20 pitted dates (150g)
Preparation
1Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2Place the 150g California walnuts on a baking tray and bake for 5-8 minutes until goldenThen place straight in a high-speed blender and mix until it forms a smooth California walnut butter, adding 1 teaspoon water if it looks too dry.
3Place the chocolate in a bowl over and pan of simmering water over a low heat and allow to melt, cool slightly.
4Split open the dates and lay out on a sheet of parchment paper to form a rectangle, 5 dates down and 4 dates across (approx14×16 cm)Top with another sheet of parchment and bash with a rolling pin until flattened.
5Remove the top sheet of parchmentSpread with the California walnut butter and then pour over the chocolate and spread until evenly coating the rectangleSprinkle with the chopped California walnuts and chill until setBreak into pieces to serve.