The pine nut – a humble ingredient that packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Whether you’re looking to add some crunch and texture to your favorite dishes or seeking out new ways to incorporate this tasty nut into your cooking repertoire, we’ve got you covered. From savory pasta sauces to sweet treats, these 18 delicious pine nut recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll be diving into a wide range of dishes that showcase the versatility and charm of the pine nut. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in our collection of pine nut recipes. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to discover some new favorite flavors.
Pesto Pasta with Toasted Pine Nuts
A classic Italian dish gets a nutty twist with the addition of toasted pine nuts, adding crunch and flavor to this creamy pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto, Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Stir over medium heat until heated through.
3. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the pesto mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Pine Nut Stuffed Chicken
A flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes, this recipe combines the earthy taste of spinach with the nutty flavor of pine nuts for a deliciously savory main course.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture.
4. Drizzle the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts Recipe
Bring out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts by roasting them with a hint of piney goodness from toasted pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the sprouts and drizzle with honey.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pine Nut and Basil Risotto
Pine Nut and Basil Risotto Recipe
Elevate your meal with this creamy and flavorful risotto, infused with the nutty taste of pine nuts and the freshness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add the white wine (if using) and cook until absorbed, stirring frequently.
6. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice and stir until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2-cup increments and stirring until absorbed, for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
7. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Pine Nut Crust
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and textured salmon dish, topped with a crunchy pine nut crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pine nut mixture on top of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Grill salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pine Nut and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Pine Nut and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
A flavorful twist on traditional tilapia, this recipe combines the crunch of pine nuts with the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese for a delightful seafood dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
3. Place tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle garlic evenly.
5. Sprinkle pine nut-Parmesan mixture evenly over each fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 4
Caramelized Onion and Pine Nut Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts, perfect for a cozy dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture.
4. Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a rectangular tart shell. Trim edges and prick with a fork.
5. Arrange caramelized onions over the tart crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Top with toasted pine nuts.
6. Brush the egg wash over the edges of the tart to glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Pine Nut and Rosemary Focaccia
A flavorful Italian-inspired flatbread infused with the earthy aroma of rosemary and the nutty taste of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, chopped
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Punch down the dough; transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Sprinkle pine nuts and rosemary on top of the dough.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Quinoa Salad with Pine Nuts and Feta
A flavorful and nutritious salad that combines the nutty taste of quinoa, crunchy pine nuts, salty feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package instructions with 2 cups of water.
2. Let the quinoa cool, then fluff it with a fork.
3. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pine Nut and Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet and savory, these glazed carrots are perfect as a side dish or added to salads.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pine nuts, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the carrot slices to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the glazed carrots in a single layer.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with additional pine nuts if desired.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash with Pine Nuts
Warm up the flavors of fall with this simple and satisfying roasted butternut squash dish, perfectly paired with crunchy pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1 tsp maple syrup
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
4. While the squash roasts, toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Remove the squash from the oven and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, maple syrup, and any desired spices (if using).
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pine Nut and Raisin Couscous
This flavorful couscous is infused with the nutty goodness of pine nuts and the natural sweetness of raisins, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup golden raisins
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the couscous, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked.
3. In a large skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently.
4. Add the raisins to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the olive oil and salt to taste.
6. Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the pine nut mixture.
7. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Pine Nut Cookies
Brighten up your cookie jar with these tangy treats that combine the sweetness of pine nuts and the zestiness of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup pine nuts
– Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon juice and pine nuts.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pine Nut and Basil Hummus
A twist on the classic hummus recipe, this Pine Nut and Basil Hummus combines the creamy texture of chickpeas with the nutty flavor of pine nuts and the brightness of fresh basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas, pine nuts, basil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serve: With pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Pine Nut and Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory richness of goat cheese and the nutty flavor of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together goat cheese, pine nuts, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pine Nut and Olive Tapenade
This recipe combines the savory flavors of olives with the rich, buttery taste of pine nuts to create a delicious tapenade perfect for topping crackers or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine olives, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Process until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Continue processing until the tapenade reaches your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pine Nut and Chocolate Biscotti
Pine Nut and Chocolate Biscotti Recipe
A sweet and crunchy treat, perfect for dipping into your favorite coffee or tea
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in pine nuts and chocolate chips.
6. Divide dough into 2 portions. Shape each portion into a log about 12 inches long.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing into biscotti.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pine Nut and Garlic Green Beans
A flavorful twist on a classic green bean recipe, this dish combines the nutty taste of pine nuts with the pungency of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added brightness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Stir in the pine nuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon juice if desired (optional).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these 18 savory pine nut recipes! From pasta dishes to stuffed chicken, roasted vegetables, and sweet treats, these mouthwatering creations showcase the versatility of pine nuts. Discover how to add a nutty twist to classic risotto, or create a crunchy crust for grilled salmon. These recipes also feature international flavors, such as rosemary-infused focaccia and Middle Eastern-inspired couscous. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there’s something for everyone in this collection of pine nut recipes.
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