Description
These Spanish Roasted Almonds are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful snack, featuring almonds roasted with aromatic smoked paprika, sea salt, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfect for parties, casual snacking, or garnishing salads and dishes, this recipe delivers a smoky, slightly spicy twist on classic roasted nuts, celebrating the bold flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Ingredients
Almonds
- 2 cups raw whole almonds
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the almonds evenly and to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Toss Almonds with Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, combine raw almonds with olive oil, smoked paprika, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure every almond is coated with the flavorful seasoning blend.
- Arrange Almonds on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, ensuring even roasting and preventing sticking.
- Roast the Almonds: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the almonds for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep a close watch to avoid burning, as almonds can roast quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the almonds from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step allows the almonds to crisp up perfectly. Once cooled, serve as a snack or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup before roasting for a sweet and smoky version.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Store roasted almonds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to substitute almonds with other nuts like cashews or pecans and follow the same roasting method.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish
