Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a tantalizing treat that perfectly balances sweetness and heat? These Sweet and Spicy Smoked Almonds are not just a simple snack; they’re an irresistible combination of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can create a crunchy delight that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or a quick pick-me-up. Trust us, once you try these almonds, you’ll never look at snacking the same way again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Raw almonds
- Brown sugar
- Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your almonds roast evenly and develop a nice crunch.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of raw almonds with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the almonds until they are well coated with the oil.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your desired spice level.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled almonds and toss thoroughly to ensure that all the almonds are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
- Spread the seasoned almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the almonds for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the almonds are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. They will continue to harden as they cool.
- After cooling, transfer the sweet and spicy smoked almonds to an airtight container for storage or serve them immediately as a delicious snack.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your almonds are fresh and your spices are not expired. Fresh spices can significantly enhance the taste of your dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can reduce it or omit it altogether.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring the almonds halfway through roasting ensures they cook evenly and prevents any from burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the almonds to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a container. This helps them achieve that perfect crunch.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of garlic powder can create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package these almonds in a decorative jar for a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re sure to impress friends and family!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
