Spicy brown butter honey-roasted nuts are a treat. Another simple recipe, that I feel obligated to warn you about, this recipe is addictive. The sweet and spicy coating is just right — not so much it becomes candy-like, and not so hot it becomes excessively spicy. The roast is perfect, giving the nuts a beautiful crisp flavorful crunch. I’m totally addicted to these.
Nut benefits
Nuts are a good source of fiber, with almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios being among the richest. Nuts are an ideal nutritious snack, providing the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Aside from being tasty, they’re linked to numerous health benefits and are very filling. Studies also suggest that despite their higher calorie and fat content, eating nuts in moderation may help you lose weight.
Cookin brown butter, also known as buerre noisette
Brown butter, also known as buerre noisette in French, is made by heating butter until the milk solids caramelize. Buerre noisette literally transfers into hazelnut butter, because it has that characteristic nutty smell. Cooking brown butter is easy, the biggest challenge is not to burn the butter. In a heavy-bottom saucepan slowly heat the butter. Continue cooking the butter over medium heat until all the water has cooked off. Butter has about 20 to 25 percent water. Once the water evaporates the milk solids turn into small white flecks. At this stage turn down the heat. Watch the flecks carefully while cooking, when they turn pale brown pull the saucepan off the heat.
There is a difference between “hot” and “spicy” food.
You will always find a selection of hot sauces in my refrigerator. Each one has a different level of heat. Some are very pleasant and give that little kick, while others will give you tunnel vision and tears will run down your cheeks. Currently, I have a hot sauce in my refrigerator called “xxxextra chili habanero”, my recommendation is for you to stay away from this one. Hot will burn and spicy will have a mellow pleasant heat that adds tons of flavor. Spicy food has a perfect mild kick to it, so you can still enjoy all the flavors and ingredients in the dish. Cholula hot sauce for me has the right flavor and heat, however, if you like it really hot feel free to add a xxxextra chili habanero sauce.
The Taste
Buttery, and nutty with mellow heat and a beautiful crispy crunch
The Process
As easy as it gets
The key to flavorful honey-roasted nuts is to regulate the cooking temperature and time.
Baking at 350 F for 25 minutes creates that perfect beautiful crispy crunch.
The Verdict
Be warned about this recipe,
the spicy brown butter honey-roasted nuts are highly addictive
Chef’s Tips
Costco is selling a Kirkland nut mix that consists of dry-roasted almonds, walnuts, dry-roasted hazelnuts,
and dry-roasted pistachios, a blend works nicely with this recipe
Spicy Brown Butter Honey Roasted Nuts
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 tbsps butter, unsalted
- 1 cup almonds, whole, raw
- 1 cup hazelnuts, raw
- 1 1/2 cups pistachio nuts shelled
- 1 tsp sea salt, fine ground
- 1.5 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika smoked
- 1 tsp hot sauce, Cholula to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan slowly heat the butter. Continue cooking the butter over medium heat until all the water has cooked off. Butter has about 20 to 25 percent water. Once the water evaporates the milk solids turn into small white flecks. At this stage turn down the heat. Watch the flecks carefully while cooking, when they turn pale brown pull the saucepan off the heat.
- Add the nuts to the browned butter and stir well to combine.
- Add the salt, honey, smoked paprika, and hot sauce to the skillet. Stir well.
- Spread the nuts evenly onto a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for 25 minutes, stirring once during the roasting process
- Remove the nuts from the oven, cool, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate