Description
These Moroccan Spiced Nuts are a flavorful and aromatic snack combining a blend of warm spices with crunchy almonds and cashews, complemented by sweet dried apricots and golden raisins. Perfect as a savory-sweet appetizer or party snack, these nuts are baked to perfection with a touch of grapeseed oil and zesty lemon for a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
Spiced Nuts
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons of the prepared spice mix
- 1 cup raw unsalted almonds
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
Fruit
- 1/2 cup diced dried apricots
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spiced nuts.
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine cumin, cinnamon, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, and mustard powder. Stir well to create a uniform spice blend.
- Heat Oil and Spices: Place a large saucepan on low heat and add grapeseed oil, lemon zest, and 2 teaspoons of the prepared spice mix. Warm gently to infuse the oil with the spices and zest.
- Coat Nuts: Add raw almonds and cashews to the saucepan, stirring thoroughly to ensure all nuts are evenly coated with the spiced oil mixture.
- Arrange Nuts on Baking Sheet: Spread the spiced nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even roasting.
- Bake and Stir (First Round): Bake nuts in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and give them a good stir to promote even cooking.
- Bake and Stir (Second Round): Return nuts to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove and stir again to finalize the roasting process.
- Cool and Drain: Let the nuts cool for a few minutes, then transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb and drain any excess oil.
- Combine with Dried Fruit and Serve: Transfer the cooled spiced nuts to a bowl and mix in diced dried apricots and golden raisins. Serve immediately as a flavorful snack or appetizer.
Notes
- For extra crunch, ensure nuts are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level of the spice mix.
- Store leftover nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Grapeseed oil is used for its mild flavor and high smoke point; other neutral oils can be substituted.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
