Nuts have been cherished around the world for centuries, not just as snacks but as key ingredients in diverse cuisines. From spicy savoury dishes to sweet indulgences, nuts bring a unique flavour, texture, and nutritional boost to countless recipes. Let’s take a journey across the globe to see how different cultures celebrate these crunchy treasures—and how you can recreate these dishes at home.

Asia: Peanut Satay Sauce

In Southeast Asia, peanuts are a culinary staple, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. One of the most iconic uses is in satay sauce, a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet dip often paired with skewered meats or vegetables.

Try it at home:

• Ingredients: Peanuts (roasted), coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and chilli.
• Blend roasted peanuts with coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice for a smooth base. Add garlic, ginger, and a hint of chilli for spice. Serve with grilled chicken, tofu, or vegetables.

Europe: Almond Biscotti

In Italy, almonds take centre stage in biscotti, the twice-baked biscuit perfect for dunking in coffee or wine. With their crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavour, almond biscotti have become a global favourite.

Try it at home:

• Ingredients: Almonds, flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
• Mix a simple dough, fold in whole or chopped almonds, and bake into logs. Slice and bake again for the classic crunch.

Middle East: Pistachio Desserts

Pistachios are the heart of many Middle Eastern sweets, such as baklava and ma’amoul (stuffed date cookies). Their vibrant green hue and rich, nutty flavour make them a luxurious ingredient.

Try it at home:

• Baklava: Layer phyllo pastry with crushed pistachios and drizzle with honey or rosewater syrup.
• Ma’amoul: Stuff semolina dough with a mix of pistachios, sugar, and a touch of cardamom before baking.

Africa: Groundnut Stew

In West Africa, peanuts (known as groundnuts) are the star of hearty stews. Groundnut stew, or maafe, combines peanuts with tomatoes, spices, and sometimes chicken or vegetables, creating a rich and comforting dish.

Try it at home:

• Ingredients: Peanut butter, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and your choice of protein or vegetables.
• Simmer peanut butter with tomato puree, onions, and spices for a thick, flavourful stew. Serve over rice or with flatbread.

Americas: Pecan Pie

In the United States, pecans are synonymous with Southern comfort food. The classic pecan pie is a sweet, gooey dessert made with pecans, sugar, eggs, and butter.

Try it at home:

• Ingredients: Pecans, eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
• Arrange pecans in a pie crust and pour over a rich mixture of eggs, sugar, and butter. Bake until set and enjoy warm or chilled.

India: Cashew Curries

Cashews are a beloved ingredient in India, used in both savoury curries and desserts. In curries, they add creaminess and a subtle sweetness, while in sweets like kaju katli, they’re ground into a luxurious paste.

Try it at home:

• Cashew Curry: Blend soaked cashews with spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander to create a rich base for chicken or vegetarian curries.
• Kaju Katli: Cook ground cashews with sugar and water, then roll and cut into diamond-shaped pieces.

Nuts truly are a global favourite, showcasing their versatility and cultural significance in dishes from every corner of the world. Whether you’re experimenting with a new recipe or rediscovering an old favourite, incorporating nuts into your cooking is a delicious way to celebrate their international appeal.

So, why not try one of these recipes and bring a taste of the world to your table? It’s a nutty adventure worth taking!