Description
Elevate your snack game with these irresistibly crunchy walnuts. A warm, aromatic spice blend with a hint of sweetness makes them a perfect DASH-friendly treat or a flavorful salad topper.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups walnut halves and pieces (about 250 g)
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan : Set an oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 275∘F (135∘C). Line the heavy-duty half-sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Create the Spice Glaze : In the large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the egg white and water together until light and foamy, about 45 seconds. Whisk in the maple syrup until just combined.
- Combine the Spices : In the separate small bowl, stir together the cinnamon, ginger, sea salt, nutmeg, cayenne, and cloves until uniform.
- Form the Coating : Sprinkle the spice mixture into the foamy egg white mixture and whisk until a smooth, fragrant glaze forms.
- Coat the Walnuts : Add the walnut halves to the bowl with the glaze. Using the silicone spatula, gently fold and stir until every nut is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Arrange for Roasting : Pour the coated walnuts onto the prepared pan and spread them into a single, even layer. Make sure the nuts are not overcrowded.
- Slow-Roast to Perfection : Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, removing the pan every 10 minutes to toss the nuts with a spatula. This ensures they toast evenly on all sides. The nuts are ready when they appear a deep golden-brown and the coating looks matte and dry.
- Cool and Crisp : Place the pan on a wire rack and let the walnuts cool completely, about 25 minutes. They will continue to dry and become significantly crispier as their temperature drops.
Notes
- Storage: Once fully cooled, transfer the walnuts to an airtight container. They will stay fresh and crunchy at room temperature for up to 10 days.
- Spice Variations: For a smoky flavor without the heat, replace the cayenne pepper with an equal amount of smoked paprika. For a bright, citrusy note, add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the spice blend.
- Troubleshooting: If your walnuts feel tacky or sticky after cooling, they may be slightly under baked. You can return them to the 275°F oven for an additional 5–7 minutes to help them dry out completely before cooling again.
Nutrition Facts (1/4 cup, 28 g): Calories 174 kcal | Total Fat 16.3 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.8 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2 g, Trans Fat: 0 g) | Cholesterol 0 mg | Sodium 123 mg | Total Carbs 6 g (Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Total Sugars: 2.5 g, Includes Added Sugars: 2 g, Net Carbs: 4 g) | Protein 4.2 g | Vitamin D 0 mcg | Calcium 29 mg | Iron 0.8 mg | Potassium 128 mg | Vitamin C 0 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 174