Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful snack to elevate your movie nights or afternoon tea? Look no further! This spicy roasted almonds recipe is the perfect solution. Forget store-bought, often overly salty and lacking in genuine spice, these homemade spicy roasted almonds are bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike, perfect for satisfying those crunchy cravings in a healthy way. This recipe fits perfectly into your healthy meal plans and quick dinner ideas routine, serving as a satisfying and delicious addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step makes a huge difference in preventing sticking and ensures even roasting.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the almonds with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Make sure all the almonds are evenly coated. The more evenly coated, the more consistent the flavor will be.
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Roast to Perfection: Spread the almonds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning – ovens vary!
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Cool & Enjoy: Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the almonds cool completely on the sheet. This allows them to crisp up further. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Spicy Roasted Almonds:
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder snack, reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For those who enjoy a serious kick, add more!
- Experiment with Flavors: Get creative! Try adding other spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon for a unique flavor profile. A pinch of brown sugar can add a lovely depth of flavor, too.
- Use Different Nuts: While almonds are delicious, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Just be aware that roasting times may vary.
Variations:
- Sweet & Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of brown sugar along with the other spices for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the almonds after roasting for a savory twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 170
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
These spicy roasted almonds make a fantastic healthy snack, a delicious addition to salads, or a great crunchy topping for yogurt parfaits. Enjoy this easy and flavorful recipe – perfect for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining! They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Homemade cooking has never been easier or more rewarding!