Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Nut Powder Recipe – Almond, Cashew & Saffron Blend For Indian Dishes

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a total game-changer in my kitchen. This homemade nut powder is a staple for adding a boost of flavour and nutrition to everything from my morning milk to festive sweets. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and honestly, the aroma while roasting the nuts is just heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any nut powder. It’s a fragrant blend of almonds, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, cardamom, and a touch of saffron. It’s incredibly versatile, adding a subtle sweetness and nutty depth to both sweet and savoury dishes. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into it gives me peace of mind. I first started making this when my little one was starting solids, and it’s been a family favourite ever since!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 cup almonds
• ?? cup cashews
• 2 tbsp pistachios
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 3 cardamom pods
• ?? tsp saffron

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about getting the best from each ingredient, shall we?

Almonds: Choosing the Right Variety

I prefer using Californian almonds for their consistent quality and mild flavour. But you can absolutely use Kashmiri almonds if you can find them – they’re a bit smaller and have a slightly more intense flavour.

Cashews: Whole vs. Broken Pieces

Honestly, for nut powder, it doesn’t really matter! Whole cashews are lovely, but broken pieces are often more affordable and work just as well.

Pistachios: The Significance of Green Hue

Look for pistachios with a vibrant green hue – that’s a sign of freshness and good quality. The colour comes from the shell, so a brighter green usually means they were well-shelled.

Pumpkin Seeds: Nutritional Benefits & Flavor

Don’t underestimate the power of pumpkin seeds! They’re packed with nutrients and add a lovely subtle earthiness to the blend. You can also use pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds) if you prefer.

Cardamom: Green vs. Black Cardamom – Which to Use?

We’re using green cardamom here. It has a sweet, floral aroma that’s perfect for this blend. Black cardamom has a smokier flavour and is more commonly used in savoury dishes.

Saffron: Identifying Authentic Kashmiri Saffron & Its Aroma

Kashmiri saffron is considered the best in the world, known for its deep colour and intense aroma. A good test? Genuine saffron threads will be a deep crimson colour and have a slightly sweet, floral scent. Be wary of very cheap saffron – it might be coloured corn silk!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, roast 1 cup of almonds in a pan over medium heat until they’re crunchy and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them – they burn easily! Set them aside to cool completely.
2. Next, roast ?? cup of cashews until they’re slightly crunchy. Again, watch them carefully! Cool these down too.
3. Now, roast 2 tbsp of pistachios and 2 tbsp of pumpkin seeds until they’re crisp. The pumpkin seeds will pop a little – that’s how you know they’re ready. Let them cool.
4. Once everything is cool, add the roasted almonds, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, 3 cardamom pods, and ?? tsp of saffron to your blender.
5. Grind everything into a fine powder. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times.
6. Finally, transfer the nut powder to an airtight container and store it. That’s it!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step! It really brings out the flavour of the nuts.
• Cool the nuts completely before grinding. Warm nuts can release their oils and make the powder clumpy.
• Pulse the blender instead of running it continuously. This helps to prevent overheating and ensures a more even grind.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Nut Powder

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your saffron source to ensure it hasn’t been processed with any animal products.

Spice Level Adjustments

My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of cinnamon to her nut powder for a warmer flavour. Feel free to experiment!

Regional Variations (e.g., South Indian vs. North Indian blends)

In South India, you might find this blend with a touch of fennel seeds. North Indian versions sometimes include a little bit of rose petals for fragrance.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., adding nuts for Diwali sweets)

During Diwali, my family loves adding a handful of walnuts and pecans to this blend for extra richness in our sweets.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, now for the fun part – how to use this amazing nut powder!

Protein Milk Recipe Ideas

Mix 1 tbsp of nut powder with 1 cup of milk (I use whole milk, but any kind works!), boil for about a minute, and enjoy a comforting and nutritious drink.

Banana Pancake Enhancements

Mash 1 banana, add ?? cup of wheat flour, 2 tbsp of nut powder, a pinch of salt, and enough water to form a batter. Cook on a lightly greased griddle with a little ghee.

Protein Ball Flavor Combinations

Blend 5 dates with 1 cup of nut powder and a splash of milk. Roll into balls and enjoy a healthy snack. You can add cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chopped dried fruit for extra flavour.

Ragi Porridge Customizations

Mix 1 tbsp of ragi flour, 1 cup of milk, and 1 tbsp of nut powder. Boil until thickened and serve warm.

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade nut powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just make sure the container is freezer-safe.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the shelf life of homemade nut powder?
Around 2-3 weeks at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use other nuts in this blend?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts – feel free to get creative.

How can I tell if the saffron is genuine?
Look for deep crimson threads with a sweet, floral aroma. Avoid anything that looks pale or smells musty.

Is it necessary to roast the nuts before grinding?
Yes, roasting enhances the flavour and makes the powder more fragrant.

What are the health benefits of consuming this nut powder regularly?
Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. This powder is a great way to boost your nutrient intake.

Can I grind this in a spice grinder instead of a blender?
You can, but a blender will give you a finer, more consistent powder.

How do I adjust the consistency of the nut powder?
If it’s too coarse, grind it for a little longer. If it’s too fine, you can add a few more whole nuts to the blend.

I hope you enjoy making and using this nut powder as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how you’re using it in your kitchen. Happy cooking!