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Smoky Honey Roasted Cashews

This recipe involves tossing raw cashews with oil, salt, smoked paprika, and honey before roasting them in the oven. The result is a batch of golden, crisp cashews with a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, showcasing a glossy finish and aromatic crunch. Ideal as a snack or versatile ingredient for salads and desserts, their inviting aroma makes them hard to resist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups raw cashews unsalted preferred
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or neutral oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flaky preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon honey maple syrup as vegan alternative

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the raw cashews with a teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring all the nuts are lightly coated. Add the sea salt and smoked paprika, then toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  3. Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even roasting.
  4. Roast the cashews in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye out for a golden color and a fragrant smoky aroma.
  5. Once the cashews are golden and smell toasted, remove the tray from the oven and transfer the nuts to a cooling rack. Let them rest for about 5 minutes; they’ll crisp as they cool.
  6. While still warm, drizzle the hot cashews with honey and toss gently to coat. The sweetness will caramelize slightly as they cool further, enhancing their flavor.
  7. Allow the coated cashews to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within a week for maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup. Adjust seasoning quantities to taste for more or less smoky flavor.