Chili Lime Cashews Recipe
Introduction
Chili Lime Cashews offer a zesty, spicy twist on a classic snack. These nuts are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your snack time or party platters.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups raw cashews
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the raw cashews to the lime juice mixture and toss them until all the nuts are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the coated cashews in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Try to scrape out as much of the lime juice mixture as possible to avoid sogginess.
- Step 5: Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven once the nuts are dry and lightly toasted. Let them cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter twist, sprinkle a little brown sugar or honey over the cashews before baking.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon.
- Experiment with other citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to stir often during baking to prevent the cashews from sticking or burning.
Storage
Store the cooled chili lime cashews in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If they lose their crunch, refresh them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?
Using raw cashews is best for absorbing the lime and chili flavors and achieving the right texture. Roasted cashews might burn or not coat as evenly.
How spicy are these cashews?
The heat level is moderate with a hint of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the chili powder and cayenne to suit your spice preference.
PrintChili Lime Cashews Recipe
A zesty and spicy snack, Chili Lime Cashews are roasted to perfection with a tangy lime juice marinade and a kick of chili powder and cayenne pepper. This flavorful treat is ideal for snack lovers seeking a balance of heat and citrus freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups of roasted cashews 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Nuts
- 2 cups raw cashews
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure a low and slow roasting process that prevents burning while allowing the flavors to develop.
- Mix Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt until they are thoroughly combined, creating a vibrant spicy marinade.
- Coat Cashews: Toss the raw cashews in the marinade mixture, ensuring each nut is well coated with the zesty and spicy blend to maximize flavor absorption.
- Arrange & Roast: Spread the coated cashews evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. Be sure to scrape out as much of the marinade as possible from the bowl to the tray. Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even roasting and prevent burning.
- Cool & Serve: Once roasted to a golden crisp, remove the cashews from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. This helps them set and becomes crunchy.
Notes
- Stirring every 15 minutes is crucial to prevent burning and to ensure even roasting of the cashews.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier snack.
- The slow roasting at a low temperature keeps the cashews crisp without burning.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Keywords: Chili lime cashews, spicy cashew recipe, roasted cashews, snack recipe, healthy snack
