Vegan Hazelnut Spread

This vegan chocolate hazelnut spread is so easy to make and tastes delicious! Roasted, skinned  hazelnuts are flavourful and create a fine consistency. 

Ingredients for one small jar:

·         1 cup/100g roasted and peeled hazelnuts 

·         ¼  cup/10-15g unsweetened cocoa powder

·         40-50ml  maple syrup (or to taste) – or sweetener of your choice

·         1 tsp vanilla extract

·         ¼  tsp salt

·         40ml unflavoured non-dairy milk (or as needed)- optional

Instructions

1.      Roast 100g of hazelnuts in the oven at 200°C for 12 minutes.

2.      Once they have cooled slightly, place them on a kitchen towel, wrap it in the towel, and rub the nuts together to remove the skin.

3.      Once the skins have been removed, place the hazelnuts into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an s-blade. Blend them to a thick paste, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4.      Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla and salt.

5.      Blending the ingredients again.

6.      Then slowly drizzle in non-dairy milk if used. It gives your spread an even creamier texture

7.      Blend the mixture until smooth, which can take a few minutes, adding add as much milk as you need to reach your desired consistency.

8.      Taste the mixture and add extra maple syrup or salt if desired.

9.      Serve on crackers, crusty sourdough bread or spread onto a pancake.

For a savoury topping - season the ground hazelnuts with salt and Mediterranean herbs and use as a topping.

Hazelnuts offer benefits for heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and inflammation, support digestion with their high fiber content, and provide an abundance of antioxidants, including Vitamin E and phenolic compounds, which protect cells from damage. They are also a good source of essential minerals like manganese and magnesium, beneficial for bone and muscle and can aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.