Save The scent of turmeric and cinnamon wafting through my kitchen always takes me back to a rainy afternoon when I accidentally created this blend while trying to use up odds and ends from my pantry. I was hosting friends last minute and needed something impressive but effortless.
My sister still talks about the first time she tried these at my annual holiday party, picking through the bowl to find the perfectly seasoned pieces. Now she requests them for every family gathering, and honestly, I dont mind making them at all.
Ingredients
- Raw almonds: These hold up beautifully to roasting and their natural sweetness complements the spices
- Raw cashews: They become incredibly creamy when toasted and add such lovely texture variation
- Raw walnuts: Their earthy flavor grounds the brighter spices and adds satisfying crunch
- Pumpkin seeds: These little gems get incredibly crispy and provide irresistible contrast
- Sunflower seeds: They add subtle nuttiness and bulk up the mix without overwhelming other flavors
- Ground turmeric: The golden hero that brings anti-inflammatory benefits and beautiful color
- Ground cinnamon: Creates warmth that makes these nuts feel cozy and inviting
- Smoked paprika: Adds this subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder whats different
- Ground cumin: Just enough earthiness to make the spice blend feel complex and thoughtful
- Ground black pepper: Provides a gentle backbone that makes all other flavors pop
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but I highly recommend it for that slow building warmth
- Sea salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness and making spices sing
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps spices adhere evenly and promotes perfect toasting
- Maple syrup or honey: Creates the most gorgeous caramelized coating and helps spices stick
Instructions
- Preheat your oven:
- Get your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup
- Combine the nuts and seeds:
- Throw all your nuts and seeds into a large bowl and give them a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly
- Whisk the spice coating:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, maple syrup, and all your spices until you have a fragrant, smooth mixture
- Coat everything thoroughly:
- Pour the spiced oil over your nut mixture and toss with your hands until every single piece is beautifully coated
- Spread and bake:
- Spread in an even layer on your prepared sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Cool completely:
- Let them cool completely on the pan, which allows them to get properly crunchy
Save These spiced nuts have become my go-to host gift, packaged in mason jars with simple ribbon ties. Theres something so personal about sharing food you made with your hands, and the way peoples eyes light up when they taste them is absolutely worth the effort.
Customizing Your Blend
Ive learned that the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts when I want something sweeter, or add hazelnuts during fall for extra warmth. Chia seeds work wonderfully sprinkled in before baking for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond snacking straight from the bowl, these nuts transform simple dishes into something special. I love crushing them slightly over grain bowls, stirring into Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, or using them as the finishing touch on roasted vegetable salads.
Storage and Freshness
Proper storage is the secret to maintaining that perfect crunch. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, though in my house they rarely last more than a few days.
- Avoid refrigeration as it can make nuts lose their crispness
- Freeze portions in freezer bags for longer storage if making big batches
- Refresh slightly cooled nuts in a warm oven for 5 minutes if they lose crunch
Save Hope this recipe becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it has in mine. Happy cooking!
Common Questions
- → Can I customize the nuts and seeds in this mix?
Absolutely. You can substitute pecans, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts for any of the nuts listed. Chia seeds or sesame seeds work well as additions or substitutions for the pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- → Is this mix suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this spiced nut and seed blend is excellent for meal prep. It stores in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it perfect for batch preparing healthy snacks for the week ahead.
- → Can I make this without sweetener?
You can omit the maple syrup or honey entirely if you prefer a purely savory mix. The spices provide plenty of flavor on their own, though the sweetener helps the spices adhere and creates a nice caramelized finish.
- → What's the best way to store this mix?
Store completely cooled spiced nuts and seeds in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can affect the crunch. Properly stored, this mix stays fresh for up to two weeks.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The cayenne pepper adds heat, so reduce or omit it for a milder blend. For more warmth, increase the smoked paprika or cumin. The cinnamon and turmeric provide subtle flavor without heat, making them safe to increase to your taste.
- → Can I make this vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey. This entire blend is naturally dairy-free and vegetarian, and with maple syrup, it becomes completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.