Spiced Walnuts

Do you love to snack but want something a bit healthier? Spiced walnuts are your answer. They're easy to make and packed with flavor. With a mix of sweet and spicy, these nuts are perfect for munching any time.

This recipe will guide you through making these tasty treats in just a few steps. Great for salads, parties, as a gift, or just to have on hand for snacking. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear!

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This healthy spiced walnut snack works on its own or as an added bonus to almost any meal. Plus, the recipe itself is quick and easy to prepare and so easy to alter to suit any dietary requirements or predilections.

While this warm spiced walnut treat makes an excellent snack, let this be your warning that they are dangerous. Dangerously addictive! What starts out as a small snack can very quickly turn into an empty spot where your spiced walnuts once were.

A good way to use your roasted spiced walnuts that will ensure you don't eat them all in one sitting is to make them a part of your meal. Whether that is to serve them as a part of a beautiful charcuterie platter, atop your favorite stir-fry dish, or as a spiced walnut salad topping, this recipe can help you elevate any meal.

Additionally, whether you are a seasoned chef or just learning your way around a kitchen, this recipe is so simple to make that you will feel like a seasoned pro. With 5 very simple steps, you will be able to make a snack or meal topper that will impress anyone that you serve them to.

It's an even easier recipe to adapt to your own preferences. Whether that is to make the recipe a vegan spiced walnut snack or flip it on its head to make a sweet homemade spiced nut mix. Even the greenest home chefs will feel confident enough to make whatever changes they want to the recipe without having to worry about compromising the final product.

Ingredients

Seasonings:

This quick spiced walnut snack is made with a seasoning mix comprised of yellow curry powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simple yet flavorful. However, this is an incredibly versatile recipe that can be changed any way you want to suit your flavor preferences. Use cayenne, paprika, coriander, and cumin to increase the spice level, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can be added to create a sweet, festive walnut appetizer.

Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce:

The soy and Worcestershire sauces bring the savory and umami flavors to the party. However, there are plenty of alternatives to make this recipe suitable to your dietary needs and taste preferences. For a soy sauce substitute, consider tamari sauce or coconut aminos as gluten-free options. Teriyaki sauce or Maggi seasoning can provide comparable flavors. In place of Worcestershire sauce, blend soy sauce with tamarind paste or opt for balsamic vinegar for tanginess. Fish sauce offers a rich umami alternative, while vegetarian and gluten-free Worcestershire sauces, use ingredients like molasses and tamari.  Additionally, if you want to take your festive walnut appetizer in a sweeter direction, honey, maple syrup, and agave syrup are all excellent alternatives.

Butter:

Butter helps everything come together and meld into a symphony of flavors. While there may be slight differences in the taste and texture of your curry spiced walnuts, you can substitute butter for a variety of alternatives in your recipe for easy spiced walnuts. Olive oil and coconut oil are the best alternatives that are suitable for most dietary needs or preferences.

Walnuts:

The fresher, the better when it comes to the walnuts you use, as they are the star of this easy spiced walnut recipe. Buying them in the shell and then shelling them yourself at home will give you the freshest and most flavorful outcome. However, you can also use pre-shelled walnuts to save yourself a great deal of time and effort in the kitchen. You can even choose some of your other favorite nuts to use in this recipe. Pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts all work well. Choose a variety of them to create your very own homemade spiced nut mix.

How to Make Spiced Walnuts

Step One: 

Combine yellow curry powder, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl and stir to incorporate.

Step Two: 

Add soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. Stir to incorporate.

Step Three: 

Fold in your walnuts, ensuring they are coated evenly in the sauce.

Step Four:

Bake for 30 minutes at 325F.

Step Five: 

Once they have cooled, serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Toasting the walnuts enhances their natural flavor. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast until they become fragrant, being careful not to overcook. Check on them with 10 minutes left in the cooking time to assess.
• Allow the spiced walnuts to cool completely before serving. This helps them crisp up and allows the flavors to meld together.
• You can even make sweet spiced walnuts using ingredients like honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

What to Serve With Spiced Walnuts

Elevate your culinary experience by incorporating these delectable spiced walnuts into a variety of dishes. Create a spiced walnut salad topping to serve over a crunchy chickpea salad, or pair them with a selection of artisan cheeses to create a savory gourmet cheese board. Additionally, these versatile walnuts make a fantastic topping for any stir-fry or curry dish. Whether you're crafting a festive holiday snack mix or seeking a unique salad topping, these curry-spiced walnuts are the perfect addition to complement all your favorite dishes.

FAQs

Is this recipe for spiced walnuts gluten-free? Vegan?

This easy spiced walnut recipe is not suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets. However, with some simple substitutions, you can make this healthy spiced walnut snack suitable for anyone. Swap the butter with your favorite vegan-friendly alternative that will have the same bonding element that butter has. Worcestershire sauce can be easily found in both vegan and gluten-free options.

What's the best way to store spiced walnuts?

Store spiced walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month and in the freezer for 3-4 months.

What is the best way to reheat spiced walnuts?

To enjoy this warm spiced walnut treat again, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in a preheated oven at around 325F for 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to prevent overcooking.

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