Spiced Cashew Recipe – Traditional Indian Roasted Nuts with Ghee

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Spiced Cashew Recipe – Traditional Indian Roasted Nuts with Ghee

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and satisfying snack on hand. And honestly, nothing beats a crunchy, flavorful handful of spiced nuts. This spiced cashew recipe is a family favorite – I first made it when I was craving something savory and a little bit spicy, and it’s been a hit ever since! It’s super easy to make, and the aroma while they’re roasting is just heavenly. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any roasted cashews. We’re talking about a warm, aromatic blend of spices, a touch of richness from ghee, and that delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more. They’re perfect for movie nights, festive gatherings, or just a little self-care moment with a cup of chai. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these addictive spiced cashews:

• 2 cups whole raw cashew nuts (about 250g)
• 2 teaspoons ghee (about 10ml)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon Himalayan black salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ – 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ – 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, freshly ground
• ½ – 1 teaspoon chat masala
• 7-8 curry leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

Cashew Nuts: Selecting the Best Quality

Always opt for raw, whole cashew nuts. Roasted cashews won’t have the same texture or absorb the spices as well. Look for cashews that are plump and have a consistent color – that’s a sign of freshness!

Ghee: The Significance of Clarified Butter in Indian Cooking

Ghee is clarified butter, and it’s a staple in Indian cuisine. It adds a beautiful nutty flavor and helps the spices cling to the cashews. It also has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it perfect for roasting.

Spice Blend: Exploring the Flavors of Cayenne, Turmeric, and More

Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking! Cayenne brings the heat, turmeric adds earthy notes and a gorgeous color, and coriander and cumin provide a warm, aromatic base. Chat masala is the secret ingredient that ties everything together with its tangy, savory flavor.

Himalayan Black Salt: A Unique Flavor Profile

Himalayan black salt (kala namak) has a distinctive sulfurous aroma and a slightly smoky flavor. It adds a depth that regular table salt just can’t match. If you can’t find it, regular salt will work, but I highly recommend seeking it out!

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried – What’s the Difference?

Fresh curry leaves are always best! They have a vibrant citrusy aroma that really shines through. If you can’t find fresh, you can use dried, but use about half the amount, as the flavor is more concentrated.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even roasting.
2. In a bowl, toss the cashews with the melted ghee. Make sure every cashew is nicely coated.
3. Add all the spices – cayenne, black salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and chat masala. Give it a good mix until the cashews are evenly coated in the spice blend.
4. Add the curry leaves. Gently toss them in, ensuring they’re distributed throughout the cashews.
5. Spread the spiced cashews in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents sticking and ensures even roasting.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Don’t forget to toss them halfway through to ensure they roast evenly. Keep a close eye – you want them golden brown and fragrant, not burnt!
7. Let them cool completely. This is the hardest part – resisting the urge to snack on them right away! Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Roast

The key is to keep an eye on them! Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking at 12 minutes. You want a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely aroma.

Preventing Cashews from Sticking

Parchment paper is your best friend here. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Spice Level Adjustment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices! Start with the lower end of the range and add more to taste.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Spiced Cashews (Using Oil Instead of Ghee)

Simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of a neutral-flavored oil like coconut or avocado oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by using coconut oil for a subtle sweetness.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Spice Level: Mild, Medium, Hot

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat. For mild, use ¼ teaspoon. For medium, use ½ teaspoon. For hot, use 1 teaspoon or more!

Festival Adaptations: Diwali & Holiday Snacking

These spiced cashews are perfect for Diwali or any festive occasion. They make a thoughtful homemade gift, too!

Serving Suggestions

These spiced cashews are delicious on their own, but they also add a lovely crunch to:

• Salads
• Yogurt parfaits
• Trail mix
• As a topping for Indian desserts like kheer

Storage Instructions

Store cooled spiced cashews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They might lose some of their crunch over time, but the flavor will still be amazing!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

How long do spiced cashews stay fresh?

They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all work well. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly.

What is the best way to store leftover spiced cashews?

An airtight container is key! This will keep them fresh and crunchy.

Can I adjust the spice levels to my preference?

Definitely! Feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

What is the role of ghee in this recipe, and can it be substituted?

Ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps the spices adhere to the cashews. You can substitute it with oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Are curry leaves essential for the authentic flavor?

While you can make them without curry leaves, they really do add a unique and authentic flavor. I highly recommend using them if you can find them!

Enjoy these spiced cashews – I hope they bring a little bit of Indian flavor and warmth to your kitchen! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out. Happy snacking!