These sweet and savory Indian-Spiced Mixed Nuts are full of warm spices including cinnamon, cardamom and brown sugar. Perfect for snacking, entertaining or gifting.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting in the kitchen to create edible gifts to hand out to our very large extended family on Christmas Eve. The big event takes place at my mom’s house and we usually host close to 35 family members including 12 kids under the age of 13.
Coming from a long line of foodies, it probably doesn’t surprise you that I’m not the only one handing out edible gifts. In fact, every year I bank on getting a fresh jar of my Aunt Paula’s Clarified Butter (Ghee) or, as we call it, Syrian butter.
Last year we gave out my husband’s Hermit Bars (chewy molasses ginger cookies) and my friend Sheila’s Sea Salt Pretzel Toffee. Let me tell you – they were a huge hit!!
I’m also desperate to try my friend Ali’s genius version involving graham crackers. I mean seriously…. !!!
This year I’m changing it up and enlisting the help of my 3 year old Sous Chef who absolutely loves to “help Mama cook.” We are making big batches of my sweet, salty and slightly spicy Indian-Spiced Mixed Nuts which couldn’t be a more kid-friendly recipe if I tried. The recipe is embarrassingly easy and the end result is absurdly delicious and addictive.
If Indian flavors aren’t your jam, get creative and make your own favorite spice blend. These nuts would be just as delicious with a little smoked paprika and sea salt, cinnamon and brown sugar or olive oil and rosemary. The options are endless.
Merry Eating!
No forks required.
Indian Spiced Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups Diamond of California Pecan Halves
- 1 cup Diamond of California Walnut Halves
- 1 cup Diamond of California Whole Almonds
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and have a baking pan ready to use.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil with brown sugar and all spices (garam masala through cayenne.)
- Add nuts to the bowl and toss well to coat.
- Lay spice-coated nuts in an even layer on baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing once half way through the cooking process.
- Serve warm or store in an air-tight container for up to 7 days.
Nutmeg Nanny
Spicy flavored nuts are always a HUGE holiday hit. These look fantastic!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Brandy!!
Joanne
I love that you guys do homemade gifts! They are basically the gifts that keep on giving. Especially these nuts! The perfect spiced up snack.
Liz DellaCroce
haha YES!! I have such a huge extended family – it’s nice to have something for everyone!
Amanda
I love the spices you used for these!!!
Gaby
These nuts will be perfect as a hostess gift! Delicious!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Gaby! Merry Christas!
sheila
You know how I love garam marsala! These nuts look amazing. Thanks for sharing my yumms!
Liz DellaCroce
I know you do girl!! xoxo
lindsay
oh can you send me some! i think santa forgot this on his list! haha. YUM!
Liz DellaCroce
haha I wish I could!!
Jaclyn
My husband is nuts (sorry I had to!) for Indian food, so I think these will be perfect for one of his stocking stuffers!
Liz DellaCroce
hahaha We are nuts for Indian food too!!
Nicole
Love the flavor you added to this nut mix! What a great snack for the holidays!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much!!! I love using Indian spices!
Alyssa (Everyday Maven)
Love that Asher is so into cooking! He is so adorable. These nuts are definitely my jam and sound amazing!
Liz DellaCroce
He really is – it’s so cute!! And he’s actually pretty decent :)
Carla
I have a bad habit of snacking a lot, usually on junk food. This looks like a healthier option for me plus I love Indian spices.
Liz DellaCroce
I love to snack too which is why I really try to keep high-protein snacks around all the time. :)
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
My family would go nuts for this spiced nut mix. Seriously it looks great.
Liz DellaCroce
My kids wouldn’t stop eating it which normally wouldn’t be an issue but we made them for gifts – ahah!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Now, these are some nuts I can get behind. :) cardamom is way under used!!
Liz DellaCroce
It really is!!! I need to use it more often myself!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek
I love bringing any type of homemade flavored nut to a get together. It is so simple and easy to do. Do you think your aunt would adopt me so I could get a jar of Ghee too? What an awesome gift.
Liz DellaCroce
Hahah it’s funny I am almost out of ghee and hoping she brings me a jar!!
pragati
I love spiced nuts. Who doesn’t? Looking forward to try these out, although I wouldn’t have thought of adding garam masala ::)
Liz DellaCroce
I know – who doesn’t right?? So good and perfect with a glass of bubbly!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
I love homemade food gifts. This one is perfect!
Liz DellaCroce
Me too friend!! Congrats again on your big appearance !!
Emily Bites
These look fantastic! Perfect to make for holiday entertaining too, I love to have snacks around for people to munch. Can’t wait to try them!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes me too!! We always have visitors this time of year so it’s perfect. :)
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
I position myself directly beside the nut bowl at every holiday party, because I just can’t get enough! I love the cardamom in here. It’s such a lovely, warm spice.
Liz DellaCroce
I agree – I seriously need to use it more often!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Spiced nuts are ALWAYS the perfect gift! I’m loving the cardamom in these.
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you Brenda!! Merry Christmas!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
Perfect for gifts and just to have to snacking while you’re watching the games over the holidays.