Chili Lime Spiced Nuts are delicious snacks, and they also make great gifts. Edible, homemade gifts are always universally welcomed. I love to have these spicy snacks on hand to put out when there is a party or gathering. They're perfect as a coffee table offering with cocktails or wine & cheese. Nibbling on nuts will help stave off your guest's hunger while you finish cooking dinner. Just be sure to find out if there are any allergies when gifting, or serving nuts, of course.
Nuts Are Good For You
Nuts are excellent sources of protein, heart-healthy fat, fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. People who eat nuts live longer. Check out this cute, quick video about Nut Consumption and Mortality published by the New England Journal of Medicine. Of course, there are other factors that were measured in the study, so let's just say, that eating nuts is a good addition to an already healthy, active lifestyle. The potential for a longer life, though, is one good reason for giving nuts to the people you love as holiday or hostess gifts.
Spiced Nuts are Delicious
Nobody needs a reason to eat nuts, however. They are a perfect snack. These Chili Lime Spiced Nuts are delicious and festive. And best of all, they are crazy easy to make. It will only take a couple of minutes to toss the ingredients together.
What kind of Nuts to Use
You can use any combination of nuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, Brazil, etc. Although nuts can be expensive, if you buy them at a bulk store, it's much more affordable. Using a higher proportion of peanuts, (which are not really nuts, but legumes) will also make your mix less expensive. Try to use raw, unsalted nuts, so that you can control the amount of oil and salt yourself.
Storing Nuts
Nuts have a high oil content, so they can turn rancid if left at room temperature for too long. They're best kept stored in airtight containers in the fridge, where they will keep for up to 6 months.
Nuts are Great in Recipes, Too
Nuts are a delicious addition to recipes like salads, stews, and curries. For some nutty recipe inspiration, check out Beet Salad with Grapefruit, Blue Cheese & Walnuts or Jackfruit Curry with Macadamia Nuts, or Thai Peach Chicken with Peanuts
How to Make Chili Lime Spiced Nuts
Recipe
Chili Lime Spiced Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed raw nuts
- grated zest of one lime plus juice of half the lime
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients and stir to coat nuts with seasonings
- Spread seasoned nuts evenly on baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Pack into mason jars and store in the fridge.
Matt - Total Feasts
This is just the type of snack I'd love to munch on while enjoying a good drink!
Colleen
Matt, yes, these are perfect with cocktails, and so easy to make.
Karen
These nuts were absolutely delicious. I made them for my coworkers for Christmas.
Colleen
Hi Karen. I'm so happy that you liked these. We love these nuts, too, and they are always welcome gifts. Thank you for your comment and Merry Christmas!
Nicole | What She Ate
Such an addictive little snack! I'm off to check out your jackfruit curry now. Yum!
Colleen
Hi Nicole, these are so addicting! Unfortunately, it's hard to stop snacking on them, haha. Enjoy that jackfruit curry, too!
Denise from Urb'n'Spice
I love spiced nuts and your recipe sounds really quite wonderful - lime is one of my favourite flavours. I am looking forward to trying them, Colleen! Thanks so much for sharing. They look great 🙂
Colleen
Thanks Denise, these are delicious and so easy to make 🙂
Bernice Hill
Chili Lime is one of my favourite spiced nut flavours...that and spicy sweet! These would also be fabulous on a charcuterie board. These would totally be addictive...
Colleen
Hi Bernice, these are perfect on a charcuterie board, and yes they are definitely addictive!