Mei Lin Zhang
These are arguably the best and fanciest amongst the nuts. This factor probably has something to do with its high cost. Purchasing sufficient pine nuts for your consumption may be very costly. It is easy for this price to scare you away. Also, it has a metallic taste which tends to persist in the mouth of the eater for days even weeks. However, these reasons should not scare you from using the ingredient. This post gives you some of the best alternatives to this precious nut in preparation of pesto.
1. Almonds
Pine nuts are a fundamental ingredient in the preparation of pesto. Other than their taste, they are preferred for their ability to go well with any flavour. Almond, on the other hand, comes with a different taste which has its signature on. Other than this feature, almond can be an excellent alternative for pine nuts in pesto.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts are naturally very bitter. You can remove this bitterness by roasting and removing the skin. You can use them chopped, in powder or crushed. This universality makes walnuts a reasonable consideration for pine nuts alternative.
3. Peanuts
Peanuts are cheap. This should make things easier. Howe4ver, they have to be used in the unsalted state, or they have to be roasted in honey to be able to add some attractive flavor in pesto. They are, however, not used much because of some allergic concerns among the users.
4. Pistachios
The closest and the best substitute of pine nuts in pesto sauce is pistachio. These nuts are sweet; besides, they enhance the green color giving it a good look. The taste in the sauce can further be accentuated by adding parsley to balance it off.
5. Pecan nuts
These can be used as walnuts. However, they are better tasting; giving them an edge over walnuts. Aside from substituting pine nuts in pesto, they can also be used as alternatives in other kinds of foods, including desserts.
6. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts have a much better experience in pesto sauce than pine nuts. The difference is that macadamia nuts are more expensive than pine seeds. They provide a milky medium in the sauce which wonderfully incorporates with parsley and mint to give a heavenly feeling.
7. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good option if you have problems with nuts. It also enhances the color of your food such that your expected green color will be transformed.
8. Cashew nuts
These nuts are a close alternative to pine nuts. However, they are also expensive as macadamia. They are roasted to enhance the taste and flavor.
Summary Table
| Item | Calories | Total Fats | Carbohydrates | Proteins | Source | Works Best In |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds | 576 kcal | 49.93g | 21.55g | 21.15g | Nuts | Snacks, baking |
| Walnuts | 654 kcal | 65.21g | 13.71g | 14.70g | Nuts | Baking, salads |
| Peanuts | 567 kcal | 49.24g | 16.13g | 25.80g | Nuts | Snacks, cooking |
| Pistachios | 562 kcal | 45.97g | 27.97g | 20.60g | Nuts | Snacks, desserts |
| Pecan Nuts | 691 kcal | 71.97g | 13.86g | 9.17g | Nuts | Pies, baking |
| Macadamia Nuts | 718 kcal | 75.77g | 13.82g | 7.91g | Nuts | Candies, snacks |
| Sunflower Seeds | 584 kcal | 51.46g | 20.00g | 20.78g | Seeds | Snacks, salads |
| Cashew Nuts | 553 kcal | 43.85g | 30.19g | 18.22g | Nuts | Snacks, cooking |
FAQs
What is the best substitute for pine nuts?
The best substitute for pine nuts in terms of flavor and texture is toasted walnuts. They provide a similar nutty taste and slightly crunchy texture that complements dishes like pesto.
How important are pine nuts in pesto?
Pine nuts are a traditional ingredient in pesto and contribute a unique flavor and creamy texture to the sauce. While you can make pesto without pine nuts, their absence might alter the authentic taste and texture of the dish.
What tastes closest to pine nuts?
Toasted almonds or toasted sunflower seeds are often considered the closest in flavor and texture to pine nuts.
Can I use cashew nuts instead of pine nuts in pesto?
Yes, you can use cashew nuts as a substitute for pine nuts in pesto. Cashews have a creamy texture when blended, and while they have a slightly different flavor, they can still create a delicious pesto sauce.
The bottom line
Most of the replacements discussed above are nuts. If for example, you have an allergy with nuts, they you can consider using seeds from the pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. However much you will not be closer to achieving the original pesto taste; it is still worth a try. The prices of these alternatives are equally high. So, you can make purchasing of these nuts or seeds be in parts rather than as a whole pack.
