Easy to make Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping

Elevate your rice dishes with this delightful mixed nuts – fried nuts and dried fruit – featuring a delectable combination of blanched almonds, cashew nuts, pine nuts, and pistachios, offering a satisfying crunch and a rich nutty flavour. To further tantalise your taste buds, it includes yellow raisins, dried figs, and dried apricots, which contribute a natural sweetness and a burst of fruity goodness. This carefully balanced medley of fried nuts and dried fruits brings depth and complexity to your dishes.

To prepare the Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping, you have two options. The first method involves individually frying the nuts and dried fruits in a small amount of vegetable oil over low heat. This gentle frying process imparts a delicate golden-brown colour and enhances the flavours, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

The second method is dry roasting. You can choose to dry roast the nuts and dried fruits separately in a small frying pan on low heat until they develop a delightful golden-brown hue. Dry roasting intensifies their natural flavours and provides a slightly toasted aroma, elevating the overall taste experience.

I always have a batch conveniently prepared and stored in the fridge to elevate a wide range of dishes, such as Arabic spiced rice, Sayadieh rice, or braised lamb. Prepare a batch of this irresistible topping and unlock the secret to taking your Middle Eastern dishes to new culinary heights.

Basic Ingredients for Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping

Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit:

Blanched Almonds: Blanched almonds are used for their smooth texture and mild nutty flavour. They add a delightful crunch to the topping and provide a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E.

Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts have a creamy and buttery taste. They contribute a rich and slightly sweet flavour to the topping, along with a smooth and tender texture.

Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are known for their delicate flavour and buttery texture. They bring a subtle sweetness and a creamy consistency to the topping, enhancing its overall richness.

Pistachios: Pistachios have a unique flavour and vibrant green colour. They add a distinct taste and a satisfying crunch to the topping.

Yellow Raisins: Yellow raisins, or golden raisins, are dried grapes that offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They provide a burst of natural sweetness to the topping, balancing the nuttiness and adding a chewy texture.

Dried Figs: Dried figs have a naturally sweet and chewy texture. They contribute a rich and complex flavour to the topping, infusing it with notes of caramel and honey.

Dried Apricots: Dried apricots have a sweet and slightly tart taste, along with a soft and chewy texture. They add a bright and fruity note to the topping, complementing the flavours of the nuts and other dried fruits.

Preparation Tips for Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping

• Dry Roasting or Frying: Decide whether you prefer to dry roast or fry the nuts and dried fruits. Dry roasting enhances their natural flavors, while frying adds a slight richness. Choose the method that suits your taste preferences.
• Prepare in Batches: If you have a large number of nuts and dried fruits, it’s best to fry or dry roast them in batches to ensure even cooking. This helps to maintain consistent flavors and prevent any ingredients from becoming overcooked.
• Keep an Eye on the Heat: When frying or dry roasting, use low heat to prevent the nuts and dried fruits from burning. Stir them frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Cooling Process: Allow the fried or roasted nuts and dried fruits to cool completely before combining them. This ensures that they retain their optimal flavors and textures.

Serving Tips forMixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping

• Topping Rice Dishes: The Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping is traditionally used as a topping for rice dishes. Sprinkle it generously over dishes like Arabic spiced rice, Sayadieh rice, or any other rice-based meal to add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavors.
• Salad Enhancer: This topping can also be a wonderful addition to salads. Sprinkle it over green salads, grain salads, or roasted vegetable salads to provide an interesting textural contrast and an extra burst of flavor.
• Yogurt and Breakfast Bowls: Get creative and use the Mixed Fried Nuts and Dried Fruit Topping to enhance your breakfast routine. Sprinkle it over yogurt bowls, oatmeal, or other breakfast dishes to add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.