This simple snack is sweet, salty, and a little bit spicy, perfect for a microbreak during a busy day. These roasted nuts are chock full of protein and fiber, two nutrients that promote fullness and can help you stay on track if you’re trying to lose weight.
If you’re a mom and hunger strikes, you know how easy it is to grab a dino nuggie or handful of goldfish crackers, but loading up on these ultra-processed kid foods can make a weight loss journey more challenging. These sweet and spicy roasted nuts are a healthy alternative to keep on hand.
Roasted nuts are also incredibly versatile. We include almonds and cashews as the base in this version, but other nuts (think: pecans, walnuts, even pumpkin seeds) would be just as delicious.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spices, too. During chillier months, adding a dash of pumpkin spice blend of cinnamon makes these roasted nuts even more festive and flavorful. If spiciness isn’t your thing, feel free to dial up or down the cayenne pepper.
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Sweet and Spicy Nuts Ingredients
To make these sweet and spicy nuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Almonds: Almonds are packed with monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium. They contribute to a satisfying snack and overall well-being.
- Cashews: Another star of our recipe, cashews offer a creamy texture and a whole host of nutrients. They're rich in healthy fats, copper, and magnesium, supporting heart health.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness to our recipe, infusing a warm, earthy flavor. It's an alternative to refined sugars, boasting antioxidants and minerals.
- Reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce: Responsible for a savory umami flavor, these soy-based sauces contain essential amino acids and add a delightful savory note.
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper brings the fiery kick. Cayenne offers potential metabolism-boosting properties thanks to capsaicin, its active compound.
Sweet and Spicy Nut Tips
- If you’re looking to reduce your sodium intake, replace the tamari with coconut aminos for a reduction of 145 mg of sodium per serving.
- To cut down on sugar content, you can reduce the maple syrup by half or substitute for a liquid non-nutritive sweetener such as monk fruit, allulose, or liquid stevia. If using liquid stevia, reduce to 1 ½ tbsp.
