Spiced Toasted Pine Nuts
These spiced pine nuts are packed with flavor! Toasted to perfection with cinnamon, paprika, and nutmeg, they add a delicious crunch to any dish.
If you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your dishes, spiced toasted pine nuts are the answer. These golden, nutty gems are perfect for adding crunch and flavor to your favorite salads, pastas, or even as a stand-alone snack. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Why You’ll Love These Spiced Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are already a nutrient powerhouse, packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. But when you toss them in a mix of spices like cinnamon, paprika, and nutmeg, they go from basic to unbelievably good. They’re savory with a hint of sweetness, and the warm spices make them a versatile topping you can add to just about anything.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pine nuts: The star of the show! These little guys have a mild, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with spices.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a rich, smooth texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness that balances out the sweet spices.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint adds depth and warmth to the mix.
- Salt: To taste, because every good recipe needs a little salt to bring out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your pine nuts. Keep an eye on them! These can go from perfectly golden to burnt real fast. Stir frequently for even toasting.
- Add Olive Oil: Once the pine nuts are toasted to a golden brown, drizzle in some olive oil. This helps the spices cling to the nuts and adds a touch of extra richness.
- Spice It Up: Time to bring on the flavor! Add cinnamon, paprika, and nutmeg to the skillet. Stir well so the pine nuts get evenly coated. You’ll want to keep toasting them for another minute, just until the spices start to smell amazing.
- Finish with Salt: A pinch of salt ties everything together. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences. Give the pine nuts one last stir and let them cool off in the skillet.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the spiced pine nuts to a bowl or sprinkle them right onto your dish.
How to Use Spiced Pine Nuts
The best part about these spiced pine nuts? They’re versatile! You can toss them into:
- Salads for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
- Pasta dishes for an unexpected twist.
- Grain bowls or roasted veggies to add a nutty layer of flavor.
- Or, just eat them by the handful as a tasty, savory snack.
Why Spiced Pine Nuts Are Good for You
Pine nuts are loaded with heart-healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They’re also a great source of magnesium and zinc, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. And with the added benefits of cinnamon (which helps with blood sugar control) and paprika (rich in antioxidants), these spiced nuts are both delicious and good for you.
Pro Tip:
If you want to experiment with different flavors, try swapping out the spices. Add cumin for an earthy vibe or even cayenne if you’re craving some heat. The possibilities are endless!
So the next time you’re looking to jazz up your dish, make a batch of these spiced pine nuts. They’re quick, easy, and add that perfect crunchy texture with a punch of flavor!
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Spiced Toasted Pine Nuts
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup pine nuts
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup pine nuts until they turn golden brown. Be attentive, as pine nuts can burn quickly. Stir them frequently to ensure even toasting.
- Once the pine nuts are toasted, add 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet. This will help the spices adhere to the nuts and add extra flavor.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon paprika and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg over the pine nuts. Stir the pine nuts well to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices and oil. Continue toasting for another minute or until the spices are fragrant.
- Sprinkle salt over the spiced pine nuts to enhance the overall flavor. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste preferences.
- Allow the spiced pine nuts to cool in the skillet before transferring them to a bowl or using them in your recipe. They can be served as a snack, added to salads, pasta dishes, or used as a topping for various dishes.