Spicy Cocktail Nuts
Spicy cocktail nuts are a welcome addition to any happy hour buffet. They’re filling, satisfying and healthy. Best of all? You can make them in under 15 minutes!
When I was a little girl, nuts were always an integral part of holiday celebrations. In those days, every supermarket sold mesh bags of whole tree nuts to be set out in little bowls, cracked by hand, and eaten as an appetiser.
I’m not certain why this festive tradition has fallen by the wayside. However, I can safely say I haven’t seen whole nuts in a supermarket or on a friend’s cocktail table in decades.
If the whole nuts have gone out of style because two career families have less patience for the shells and the mess, spiced cocktail nuts are a terrific option. There’s no reason to throw in the towel on such a traditional, healthy, and satisfying holiday nibble!
The Recipe
One of the great things about spiced cocktail nuts, is that they are enhanced by an infinite variety of seasonings. Thus, you can readily conceive a flavour combination that will go with other items on your cocktail menu. Alternately, if you’re pressed for time, you can safely use your favourite ready made spice blend.
Here, I’ve opted to use a South African style curry powder. However, you could just as easily opt for baharat, chili powder, or Caribbean curry powder.
The nuts can, likewise, be varied according to your taste preferences. Here, I’ve recommended a blend of cashews, almonds, macadamias, and Brazil nuts. However, pecans, hazelnuts, or walnuts would also be delicious options.
The nuts are tossed in ghee (clarified butter) along with the spices because ghee is healthier and has a higher smoke point than butter. However, butter is also a good option if ghee is unavailable where you live.
I hope your family enjoys these nuts as much as mine does. Bon appétit!
Spicy Cocktail Nuts
Ingredients
- 100 g cashew nuts
- 100 g almonds
- 100 g macadamia nuts
- 150 g Brazil nuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ghee, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon South African style curry powder (or store bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 176° C (350° F).
- Toss nuts with ghee (or melted butter), salt, and curry powder.
- Arrange in a single layer on a lined baking tray and roast for 7 minutes.
- Allow to cool. Serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute other tree nuts or seasoning blends, according to your tastes. However, the curried nuts are a big hit at my house!
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