One Pot Wonders with Tree Nuts

• Date posted:  10/29/2025 
• Posted in:
• Nut Usage Ideas,

As the days get colder, there are few things more appealing than wrapping your hands around a big bowl of warm and delicious food! There are so many options – from Asian to Mediterranean, soups to grain bowls, meat rich or plant-based. And, nuts can play a vital role in the appeal and nutritional value in so many ways.

Below are some ideas to get your creative juices going!

Noodle bowls – Wander through the Asian section of a market and you’ll see a multitude of noodles, many gluten-free. Follow the cooking directions then immerse the noodles in a warm broth such as miso or chicken, add some shaved veggies, cooked meat or seafood, and scatter with toasted nuts such as macadamias or cashews. Try this pork, zucchini and walnut noodle bowl for some inspiration.

Pasta Bowls – Cook your favorite pasta, toss with olive oil, then begin your creation – prawns and peas with hazelnuts; zucchini and mint with pistachios and parmesan; tomato with mozzarella and walnut pesto;  smoked salmon, capers, dill and sliced almonds. And since fall is season of wild mushrooms, here is a recipe with the unique touch of Brazil nuts!

Grain bowls – All the rage at the moment as they are so versatile. There are so many grains to choose from – rice, barley, quinoa, faro, and legumes such as lentils. They are the perfect base for adding any cooked or raw vegetables, cooked meats and tree nuts. Here’s one with Red Quinoa and Kale with the crunch of hazelnuts, or a Black Bean and Faro Salad with Almonds.

Soups – If it’s chunky soups you like, such as a minestrone, a zesty spoon of pesto brings it to a new level. Try combining your favorite nuts and herbs to make your own designer pesto. And if it’s pureed soups you prefer, try this Mediterranean Carrot soup where nuts are the thickening agent as well as a bright burst on top.

Casseroles – If you prefer to throw a bowl in the oven and play until it’s done, try this Mac and Cheese with a twist of Pecan Breadcrumbs, or make vegetables the bowl, such as bell peppers or large zucchini so you can eat the bowl as well as the stuffing. Tip: mix chopped nuts with herbs and grated cheese before scattering on top. But how about just a pure veggie indulgence with this Roast Vegetable dish with a nut crumble, or a classic plant-based “meatloaf” – it really is endless.

We wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!