A nut a day!

I am an avid believer that everyone should be eating at least a serving of nuts or seeds daily, so I was excited when California Walnuts sponsored a contest for RecipeRedux…there will be some amazing recipes in this roundup, I promise!  Walnuts contain 2.5 grams of the essential plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, all of which amounts to a great snack (one palmful) at your desk or on the go.  I’m entering a few times, so stay tuned this week for a couple of walnut recipes – they sent 2 pounds of walnuts and a silicone baking sheet liner which was enough to keep me in the kitchen all afternoon yesterday.

My new favorite spread

I wanted to try some new things and reinvent some classics, so I started doing some searching and came upon one that intrigued me: muhammara.  It originates in Syria, and there are lots of variations but all seem to contain walnuts, roasted red peppers, and some sort of smoky flavor.  The idea of walnuts and red peppers together seemed a little strange to me, but I’ll try anything once!  And I’m so glad I did: this is a better-than-hummus spread that people will be delighted by (and surprised to learn the secret ingredient!).  PLEASE TRY THIS.  Seriously delicious, and incredibly nutrient rich – perfect for dipping or as a sauce on a quinoa bowl.

Spicy Muhammara

Ingredients

• 3/4 c walnuts
• 1 c roast red peppers, drained
• 1/4 c + 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 lemon’s juice
• 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• dash salt
• 3-4 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Place all ingredients (except basil and the 2T olive oil) in a food processor or high powered blender and puree until smooth.  Garnish with olive oil and basil.

I received free samples of California walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by the California Walnut Commission and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.