Four Different Spice Roasted Nut Recipes Ideal for Snacking
Snacking is often what gets us in trouble when we're trying to keep on a healthy diet. But it's more than unrealistic to try and cut out snacks from your diet completely; that's just no fun at all. And if you haven't noticed yet, we think that eating healthy can (and should be) lots of fun for your tastebuds. So instead of venturing (and ultimately failing) to cut out snacks completely, load up on some healthy options for all your snacking needs instead of turning to those fatty, high-calorie options. Nuts are a great option as they're small and compact (perfect for snacking on the go) and they pack a nutritional punch that a corn or potato chip could never even attempt to compete with. But to make our snacks compete with the fat-filled alternative, we've got to make sure they are filled with lots of great flavor. Toasting nuts awakens and deepens their natural flavor, plus it allows you to customize them with your own favorite spice mixtures. Here are four reliable roasted nuts routes to take!
Nutrition: 120 calories, 11 g fat (1.5 g saturated), 150 mg sodium
Serves 8
You'll Need
For Chili Almonds:
1 cup whole unpeeled almonds + 1⁄8 tsp chili powder + 1⁄8 tsp cayenne pepper + salt
For Curried Cashews:
1 cup unsalted cashews + 1 tsp curry powder
For Five-Spice Peanuts:
1 cup salted peanuts + 1⁄2 tsp Chinese five- spice powder
For Cocoa Pecans:
1 cup pecan halves + 1⁄2 Tbsp cocoa powder + 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon + 2 Tbsp sugar
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the appropriate spices in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the nuts, then spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, until very fragrant and warm, but not overly toasted.
- Each combo makes 8 servings.
Eat This Tip
Stocking Up for Snacking:
We know we recommend doubling (or tripping) recipes often, but this one, in particular, is an all hands on deck situation. The more healthy toasted nuts you have on hand for when you crave a snack the better, as you won't be as likely to find yourself reaching for something far less nutritious. Make a few batches of your favorite options and carry a few bags with you for when you're craving a snack on the go!
This recipe (and hundreds more!) came from one of our Cook This, Not That! books. For more easy cooking ideas, you can also buy the book!
