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WALNUT MEAT (4 WAYS)

side angle view walnut meat in a bowl with items surrounding.

5 from 10 reviews

Walnut Meat (aka raw nut meat) is a fantastic, healthy alternative vegan faux ground meat made with walnuts, mushrooms and spices. It’s quick, easy and amazingly delicious!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Walnut Meat Base:

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tamri (nama shoyu or soy sauce)
  • salt + pepper, to taste

Mexican:

  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or cayenne)

Italian:

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or garlic powder)

Indian:

  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or garam masala)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or onion powder)

American:

  • 3/41 teaspoon EACH garlic and onion powder
  • salt + pepper, to taste

Instructions

Pulse to combine: Simply add the walnuts, mushrooms, tamari and spices to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until just combined and crumbly. Careful not to over process or it will turn smooth like pate.

Taste for seasoning, adding more of any spice you like.

Warm it up: Optionally, heat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, heat in the microwave using 15 second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Just don’t overcook.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Serves 3

Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days.

Notes

Full list of flavor variations to play with:

  • Mexican: Make taco meat with spices like cumin, chili powder, chipotle powder, cayenne, coriander, paprika, cilantro and/or lime.
  • Italian flavor: Use oregano, basil, marjoram, sun dried tomatoes, sage, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, or Herbs de Provence.
  • American: Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt and pepper.
  • Indian: Garlic, onion or ginger powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, and/or cayenne.

If you have nut sensitivities, you may want to soak the cashews in cool water for 8 hours before using to remove the phytates and tannins.

Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full nutrition disclosure here.