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Roasted Cashews

This recipe showcases the simple yet transformative process of roasting cashews to enhance their natural nutty aroma and crispy texture. Using just heat and patience, raw cashews are turned into a fragrant, crunchy snack or versatile ingredient. The final product is golden-brown, fragrant, and irresistibly crisp, perfect for snacking or adding depth to dishes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g raw cashews unsalted preferred for pure flavor
  • 1 teaspoon neutral oil such as grapeseed or avocado oil
  • to taste sea salt flaky preferred

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Measure out the raw cashews and place them in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with a teaspoon of neutral oil and toss well to coat evenly. This helps them toast crisply and develop a lovely shine.
  3. Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they roast evenly and turn golden uniformly.
  4. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye after 6 minutes—you're looking for a golden hue and a fragrant, nutty aroma that fills the kitchen. You might hear the first crackle as they begin to toast.
  5. Halfway through, gently shake the pan or stir the nuts with a spatula to promote even browning and prevent sticking or burning. The nuts should start to develop a warm, golden color and smell toasted with hints of caramel.
  6. Once the cashews are golden and fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately transfer the hot nuts to a wire cooling rack to stop the cooking process and keep them crisp.
  7. Let the cashews cool for about 10 minutes. While still warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or your preferred seasonings, then toss gently to distribute evenly. The salt enhances their natural sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch.
  8. Once cooled completely, transfer the roasted cashews to an airtight jar or container. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking or adding to salads, cheese boards, or desserts.

Notes

For extra flavor, toss warm cashews with a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. To make a sweet version, drizzle with honey or maple syrup while still warm before cooling. Store in an airtight container to maintain maximum crunch.