15-Minute Spicy Chilli-Roasted Cashews
Crunchy roasted cashews coated in a fragrant blend of chilli powder, black pepper, and salt create an irresistible snack perfect for entertaining or casual munching. The two-stage roasting process ensures the nuts develop deep flavor while the spice coating adheres perfectly. These make an excellent accompaniment to cold beer or cocktails, offering a satisfying heat that builds with each bite. The recipe transforms simple cashews into a pub-style snack that's ideal for parties, movie nights, or whenever you crave something spicy and crunchy.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ oz uncooked cashew nuts
- ½ tablespoon light tasting vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chilli powderpaprika1:1mild
reduces heat significantly
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160 degrees centigrade
- 2
Distribute cashew nuts evenly on a baking tray
- 3
Roast the cashews for 8 minutes
- 4
Place oil, salt, black pepper and chilli powder in a large mixing bowl and mix well to create a paste
- 5
Add roasted cashews to the mixing bowl and stir well to ensure they are fully coated in the paste
- 6
Return coated cashews to the baking tray and roast for a further 2 minutes
- 7
Let the cashews cool before serving
Tips
Let cashews cool completely before serving as they have a soft texture when warm and will crisp up as they cool
Store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain crispness
Double the recipe for parties as these disappear quickly when served with drinks
Good to Know
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
Can be made up to one week ahead and stored in airtight container
Serve at room temperature with beer or cocktails
Common Mistakes
Don't eat while warm to avoid soft texture
Don't skip the cooling step as texture improves significantly
Don't overcrowd the baking tray or nuts won't roast evenly
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, almonds, peanuts, or mixed nuts work well but cooking times may vary slightly depending on size and density of the nuts you choose.
How long do these keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They may lose some crispness over time but will still taste good.
Can I make these less spicy?
Replace chilli powder with paprika for mild heat, or reduce the amount of chilli powder to half a teaspoon for moderate spiciness.