Masala Roasted Nuts Recipe

Holiday nuts, spicy nuts, afternoon snacks, festive gifts, party nuts, nuts for cocktails and beers. There are a billion ways to use this roasted nuts recipe that turns ordinary cashews and almonds into crispy, fragrant morsels. And the recipe is so easy to make!

I’m the kind of person who loves to have ready snacks at home. Just in case one of the kids starts feeling hungry out of the blue (as they are wont to do). Or a friend drops by for a pleasant surprise. 

So, the one thing you’ll always find in my pantry is a jar of roasted nuts. With the holidays approaching, there is no better time to whip up a whole new batch of party nuts. 

I know there are plenty of holiday mixed nuts available, but as ever, I prefer homemade. The nut mix recipe I use is the best-roasted nuts recipe (at least in my biased opinion). Definitely way better than what you get on the market, both quality and quantity-wise.

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How to make masala roasted nuts

Notes for roasting

Ingredients

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REASONS TO LOVE THIS RECIPE FOR MIXED NUTS

Completely customizable spiced nuts recipe

Perfect nosh with drinks for the holiday parties

Spicy nuts are handy snacks for cooler months

Make for a wonderful DIY and edible gift for festivals

HOW TO MAKE MASALA ROASTED NUTS RECIPE?

From Diwali to Thanksgiving to Christmas, this nuts mix will last you a long time. The recipe makes a huge batch without much effort. So, you can bake your holiday nuts jars way beforehand (and then hope they don’t get finished fist-to-mouth)!

Step 1: While the oven preheats, combine garam masala, olive oil, sea salt, and a little bit of sugar to help the flavors come alive.

Step 2: Toss your mixed nuts in the seasoning till they are nicely coated.

Step 3: Spread the spiced nuts on a parchment paper-lined tray in an even, single layer without crowding them together.

Step 4: Taste the savory spiced nuts and adjust seasoning, if needed, and then bake for 20 minutes at 160 °C.

Step 5: Every 5 to 6 minutes, go in and stir the nuts, so they cook evenly and don’t burn.

Step 6: When the kitchen is fragrant with roasted almonds and the cashews are a gorgeous golden brown, take them out.

Final step: Cool and store.

NUT ROASTING NOTES

• The thing to remember when making mixed nut recipes is that heat intensifies the flavor. But it has to be slow and low. Don’t be impatient with the nuts, and they won’t get burned.
• Use your senses to check if the nuts are done. The aroma will be your first cue. That heady whiff tells you that the roasted almonds and cashews are about done.
• Next, look out for the color. It should be golden brown.
• Finally, taste them. Take a couple of nuts out and bite in. They should already be crunchy.
• Once the nuts are roasted, let them cool completely before you transfer them into an airtight jar.
• This roasted nut mix will store happily for 3 to 4 weeks.

MASALA NUTS INGREDIENTS

Nuts: I love cashews and almonds, but you are more than welcome to try these roasted mixed nuts recipe with any nuts you prefer – pecans, walnuts, or peanuts. Keep in mind that the bake time may change slightly.

Spices: What I love about making savory spiced nuts at home is that I can cater to my palate, and the same goes for you. Increase or decrease the amount of garam masala.

Every household has its own favorite garam masala, and it’s okay to use it. Homemade or store-bought, stick to what’s convenient.

Want a little more heat in your nut mix recipe? Try red chili powder. Want to give the masala cashews a golden hue? Whisk in ½ teaspoon of turmeric.

Sugar: Sugar is not for sweetness, but rather to balance and accent the flavor of seasoning. You can use more of it or substitute it for honey.

Oil: Any vegetable oil will do here. Coconut oil is another great option, as is peanut oil. Even melted butter would work rather well.

Add-ins: To lend texture to the masala cashew recipe, use pumpkin seeds or melon seeds. Add them halfway through the baking.

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