How to Use Nuts As Thickening Agents

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

It is possible to use some nuts as a way to thicken a sloppy sauce, stew or gravy. Provided you and your diners are able to consume nuts, this can be a delicious way to thicken up such dishes without making them doughy or lumpy.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Preparing the nuts

1
Use suitable nuts. The best nuts to use as thickening agents that are readily available include: hazelnuts, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, almonds and pistachios.
2
Grind the nuts finely. Do this just before you're going to add them, to ensure freshness. Nuts can be ground in a food processor or a coffee bean grinder that has been purchased for nut grinding.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Adding the ground nuts

1
Wait until the end of the cooking process for sauces and gravies. The thickening will occur once the nuts are added and the nuts need to be cooked in.
- Ground nuts can be added to stews and soups toward the end of the cooking process if the stew seems too runny. You may need a little longer for the nuts to help thicken the these dishes though, so keep a close eye on them.
2
Add the ground nuts to a boiling sauce or gravy. Whip the nuts in using a wire whisk. Stir continuously to help thicken the sauce. The cooking process should take another 1 to 2 minutes.
- If it's a soup or a stew, use a wooden spoon to stir the nuts through.
3
Remove from the heat. Serve as intended.

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