Candlenuts are edible nuts from the family Euphorbiaceae. They have a creamy look and are loved for their rich flavor and are used in many dishes to make them thicker, particularly in Asian cuisine.
They have a mild taste similar to almonds and contain glutamic acid, which gives them their signature nutty flavor.
No doubt, candlenuts are great. But what should you do if they are not available in your area? Simple! You opt for their substitutes! So, in this article, we will list some of the substitutes for candlenuts that will work just fine.
Let’s delve deeper without any further ado!
Recommended Candlenut Substitutes
Some alternatives to candlenuts are mentioned in the section below.
Commonly known as Queensland nuts, macadamia nuts are the obvious substitutes for candlenuts. These nuts belong to the flowering plant family Proteaceae and are native to Australia.
While they are grown in Australia, their commercial production takes place in the USA. They have a round shape and a light color. They are protected by a firm shell, which is why they are pretty hard to crack.
When it comes to taste, macadamia nuts bear a striking resemblance to candlenuts. They have the same nutty, buttery flavor that we all love. You can roast them to bring out their natural flavor. They are mildly sweet and go well with coffee and tea.
Although macadamia nuts can be salted, it is recommended to eat them raw to get the best health benefits.
They pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, and you can also use them to make macadamia flour, nut butter, milk, and oil. For the best results, it is advised to toast them in an oven before using them in recipes.
With that out of the way, it is important to note that macadamia nuts are among the most expensive nuts in the world. So, read on if you are looking for an affordable substitute for candlenuts.
2. Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are the next substitute for candlenuts on our list. As their name suggests, they are grown in Brazil.
They are produced by the Bertholletia tree, or the Brazil nut tree, which grows in the Amazon rainforest. Their appearance is quite similar to coconuts.
Like the macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts are also housed in a tough shell. The shells are dark brown in color and have distinctive edges.
As far as the taste is concerned, Brazil nuts have an oily and somewhat sweet taste. They can be used to make mayonnaise, nuts cheese, and nuts milk. What’s more? You can also add them to salads, brownies, and other desserts.
Their sweet taste makes them a great accompaniment to chocolate. You will need to chop them before adding them to cakes and other desserts.
3. Pine Nuts
Also known as pinoli or chilgoza, pine nuts are small yet calorie-rich nuts from pine. Contrary to common belief, they are not actually nuts. They have thick shells and grow in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.
Their shape can vary significantly depending on the area where they grow. While Asian pine nuts are rounder, their European counterparts tend to be a bit longer.
As for taste, pine nuts have a sweet, buttery flavor thanks to their high oil content. They are quite versatile and can be added to a lot of recipes.
What’s even better? They don’t trigger the nut allergy. This makes them a great choice for people with nut allergies.
After opening, try consuming pine nuts quickly. If you keep them at room temperature for too long, their oil may go rancid, which in turn will make them taste bitter.
If they have a bitter taste, consuming them can lead to health problems as they may contain mold or toxins. Consider storing them in a refrigerator to extend their lifespan.
4. Walnuts
Moving on with our list, we have walnuts. They are edible seeds of the Juglans tree. They can be pale brown or dark brown in color and are also protected by a shell.
Most people prefer to eat walnuts raw as a snack, but they can be an excellent addition to many recipes, salads, and desserts, in particular. They can be chopped and used as a coating for fish and chicken as an alternative to bread crumbs.
The best thing about walnuts is that they are full of healthy nutrients. They provide fiber, protein, and good fats and can also benefit your heart. In addition to that, they also reduce the cholesterol level in your body.
However, they are not recommended for people suffering from a nut allergy.
5. Cashew
Cashews are the last alternative on our list. They have a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture that closely resembles peanuts.
However, the taste depends on how you eat them (raw or roasted). They are the most commonly found substitute on our list and are readily available at all superstores.
Cashews are nutritional powerhouses and are a healthy substitute for candlenuts. They are even used to make medicines. You can make nut butter with roasted cashews that can replace peanut butter.
They can also be used to make other recipes, including korma and cashew chicken. All these reasons make it an ideal alternative to candlenuts.
The Bottom Line
We all love the rich, buttery flavor of candlenuts. If they are not available, you can try the substitutes mentioned in this article. All of them have a similar taste and can be used in different recipes.