Indigenous to Brazil, the cashew plant was one of the many new world discoveries brought to India by the Portuguese. The cashew nut became quite popular in India, finding many uses in both auyrvedic medicine and cooking. Thought to be an appetite and health stimulant, cashews are used in many ways, both sweet and savory. For example, cashew cream is added to mutter paneer to add flavor and richness, whole cashews are often added to pilafs and biryanis and ground cashews are made into the ever popular sweet Kaju Katri.

Personally, I enjoy snacking on whole, raw, unsalted cashews. My husband on the other hand enjoys his roasted and spiced alongside a cocktail! Recently his cocktail of choice has been homemade, habenero infused vodka combined with a fruit juice of some sort – weekend experiments are always being carried out in the kitchen!

Here is a simple but flavor filled recipe for spiced oven roasted cashews. Try making some for your next dinner party.

 

 

Spicy Oven Roasted Cashews

Yield 3 Cups

Ingredients:

3 cups raw, unsalted, whole cashews

1 tbsp mild flavored oil (i.e. canola, grapeseed or safflower)

1 tsp or more red chili powder

3/4 tsp roasted ground cumin

3/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp amchur powder (dried mango powder)

1 tsp sea salt

generous amount of freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Set oven to 350 degrees. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine oil, and all seasonings into a bowl. Stir or whisk to mix.
3. Add cashews and stir to cover all the nuts.
4. Spread out onto baking sheet and place into oven on a rack placed in the middle of the oven.
5. Roast at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cashews take on a golden color.
6. Remove nuts from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.