Irresistible Spiced Walnuts & Cashews: Your Go-To Healthy Snack Recipe
In a world constantly seeking nutritious yet delicious snack options, an article I recently encountered truly stood out. It featured a comprehensive study highlighting the significant health benefits associated with regular nut consumption. What made this particular finding even more exciting was the inclusion of peanuts, underscoring that even legumes contribute to these positive outcomes. While research findings can always be interpreted in various ways, for me, this study was not just an interesting read; it provided the perfect justification to finally delve into a recipe I’d been meaning to try: warmly spiced walnuts or cashews. Using only the freshest nuts, this recipe promised a delightful culinary adventure that aligned perfectly with a health-conscious lifestyle.
The Best Spiced Walnuts or Cashews Ever!
These aren’t just any spiced nuts; they are truly exceptional. So utterly delicious, in fact, that I had to physically hide them away to resist constantly reaching for another handful. What makes them so incredibly addictive is a masterful blend of spices: earthy cumin, warming ginger, a kick of cayenne, a touch of umami-rich soy sauce, and just the right amount of sugar. The sugar isn’t there to make them sweet like a dessert, but rather to enhance and “open up” the complex savory and spicy flavors, much like how sugar balances the tang in a gourmet barbecue sauce or the seasoning on your favorite potato chips. This delicate balance creates an irresistible snack that’s savory with a hint of sweetness, completely unlike a sugary confection. Prepare to exercise serious willpower if you intend to stick to a modest serving!
These spiced nuts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also incredibly versatile. They make an ideal appetizer for any gathering, especially during holiday feasts like Thanksgiving. If your family, like mine, tends to eat later in the day, these provide the perfect pre-dinner snack to keep hunger at bay without spoiling anyone’s appetite for the main event. Their robust flavor profile and satisfying crunch also make them a fantastic addition to charcuterie boards, salad toppings, or simply as an elevated everyday snack. They’re quick to prepare, making them a superb option for last-minute entertaining or meal prepping for a week of healthy snacking.
Health Benefits of Spiced Nuts
Beyond their incredible taste, these spiced walnuts and cashews offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, making them a smart choice for a snack. Walnuts are renowned for being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. They also pack a punch of antioxidants, fiber, and protein. Cashews, on the other hand, are excellent sources of healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as essential minerals like copper, magnesium, and zinc, all vital for bone health, energy production, and immune function. The spices themselves contribute to the health profile:
- Cumin: Known for its antioxidant properties and potential digestive benefits.
- Ginger: A powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, often used to aid digestion and reduce nausea.
- Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and offers pain-relieving properties.
By combining these wholesome nuts with beneficial spices, you’re not just creating a treat; you’re crafting a super snack that supports your overall well-being. This recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet in an exciting and flavorful manner.
Tips for Perfect Spiced Nuts Every Time
Achieving the perfect batch of spiced walnuts or cashews is simple with a few key tips. Firstly, always start with high-quality, fresh nuts. While store-bought roasted nuts can work, using raw nuts (and following the boiling step for walnuts) often yields a superior texture and allows the spices to adhere better. When melting the butter and mixing in the spices, ensure the heat is not too high to prevent burning the spices, which can lead to a bitter taste. The goal is to gently bloom the flavors. Tossing the nuts thoroughly in the spice mixture is crucial for even coating, guaranteeing every bite is packed with flavor.
During the baking process, keep a close eye on the nuts. Ovens can vary, and nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. A light golden brown color and an aromatic fragrance indicate they are done. The cooling process is equally important; this is when the nuts achieve their signature crispness. Resist the urge to snack on them while hot, as their full texture and flavor develop as they cool. For an extra layer of flavor or heat, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika for depth, a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or an extra dash of cayenne for those who love a fiery kick.
- Spiced Cocoa Muffins
- Spice Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Spice Bars
- Vegan Spice Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Biscotti with Caramel Chips
Recipe
Irresistible Spiced Walnuts or Cashews
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups raw walnuts (or cashews, see notes)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (Morton brand recommended; adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne (or more for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Red pepper flakes for sprinkling (optional, for additional heat)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
-
In a large saucepan, bring about 2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the raw walnuts and boil for exactly 2 minutes. This crucial step helps to remove some of their natural bitterness, resulting in a cleaner, more pleasant flavor. Drain the nuts thoroughly in a colander immediately after boiling. If you are using pre-roasted and salted cashews, you can skip this boiling step entirely.
-
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Ensure the butter is fully melted but not browned.
-
In a small bowl, combine the ground ginger, ground cumin, Kosher salt, ground cayenne, and granulated sugar. Add this dry spice mixture to the melted butter in the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the low sodium soy sauce, mixing well to create a uniform coating.
-
Add the drained walnuts to the skillet with the spice mixture. Toss vigorously and continuously using a spatula or spoon until the nuts are evenly coated and warmed through by the fragrant spice blend. This ensures every nut is infused with flavor.
-
Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly toasted and aromatic. Be sure to stir them halfway through the baking time for even browning. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up significantly as they cool. If you desire more heat, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
For the Cashew Version: If you opt for cashews, use the same amount (2 ½ cups) of roasted and lightly salted cashews. In this case, you should omit the Kosher salt from the spice mixture entirely, as the cashews are already salted. Since the cashews are already roasted, you will only need to bake them for about 8 minutes at a slightly lower temperature of 350F (175 degrees C), or just until they achieve a light golden brown and become fragrant. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Raw cashews could also work, but my testing was primarily done with roasted & salted varieties for ease and flavor. For an extra kick of heat, a final sprinkle of red pepper flakes is always a good idea. You might also want to add a pinch or two of extra sea salt after baking if you prefer a saltier profile.
Storage: Store the cooled spiced nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though their crispness is best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions: These nuts are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. They also make a wonderful addition to cheese boards, sprinkled over salads for an added crunch and flavor, or even chopped and incorporated into savory baked goods like muffins or bread. They’re also an excellent homemade gift during the holidays.
The inspiration for this delightful recipe originally came from one of my favorite local spots in CT, Stew Leonard’s, known for its unique and delicious gourmet offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional snacks, a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering, or simply a delicious treat to enjoy on your own, these irresistible spiced walnuts or cashews are sure to become a new favorite. They’re quick, easy, packed with flavor, and offer a satisfying crunch that makes healthy eating genuinely exciting. Don’t just take my word for it; give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite snack!