In just a few minutes you can add loads of flavor to any nut you choose! Perfect for topping salads, desserts and more, these spiced nuts without sugar are also delicious as a snack! Try pumpkin spiced nuts or savory spiced nuts!

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Nuts can be a delicious, nourishing part of your diet. Adding crunch, plus some protein, beneficial fat, and various other nutrients, nuts enhance many dishes wonderfully!

Ideally, start with a good quality of nut. Then, prepare them properly to make them easier to digest, more nutritious, and even tastier! Instructions for preparing them (here) are simple! You need to allow a couple of days to prepare the nuts, but the process requires very little hands-on time.

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What do you mean by “prepare the nuts”?

The main reason to prepare nuts is to make them easier to digest. Nuts (along with grains, seeds, and legumes) were created with special protective substances that, while at least partially protecting the nuts, is not great for the human digestive system. These enzyme inhibitors on the nuts can, thankfully, be easily deactivated.

The basic process is to soak them in salt water for several hours (different lengths of time depending on the variety of nut; refer to the instructions), then dry them in a dehydrator or warm oven. The result is nuts that are easier on the digestive system, more nourishing because their nutrients are better absorbed, and a little better tasting!

How to Prepare Spiced Nuts 3 Ways

Spicing nuts is a simple project you can do while you work on other cooking projects! The process barely requires a recipe at all.

First, melt a couple tablespoons of your preferred fat in a skillet. I like butter for this, but ghee, coconut oil, or another fat is also fine.

Next, add the nuts and stir to coat them in the fat and allow them to toast a bit.

When they are fragrant and slightly browned, stir in the spices you have chosen. Continue to stir carefully to prevent burning for another minute (or less), then remove from heat.

Cool before using or storing; if not using right away, store in airtight jars in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nuts do I use?

It is up to you! I usually use walnuts or pecans, but I have also used cashews and almonds. The nuts you like are the nuts to choose!

What if I don’t want to soak and dry the nuts?

I highly recommend it for the health benefits, not to mention the flavor improvement. Walnuts in particular taste better– less bitter– and the process is very easy. I do a few pounds at a time to make it even easier.

That said, you don’t have to soak and dry the nuts for the recipe to work. It will work the same whether or not you prepare the nuts.

Do I have to use fat?

You need something to make the spices stick to the nuts. You do need some fat for this, but it can be any fat you want and it doesn’t need to be a lot.

You could use melted sugar, if you want– honey, maple syrup, and white sugar all work quite well. My goal here is to avoid sugar, though. If you want to use it, it will work, though it would not really be compatible with the savory variations.

Do I need to include the salt?

You don’t really have to have any salt at all for the recipe to work. The spiced nuts will taste a lot better with at least a little salt, though. You could leave it out or reduce it if you prefer. A little good quality mineral-rich salt is very good– I used Redmond’s Real Salt in this recipe.

Can I change the spices?

Yes, you can add, omit, or change quantities to your heart’s content! Since the technique is the same regardless of the spices you use, employ your imagination for different combinations that appeal to you! You can match the seasonings with whatever you are planning to serve them with.

Is this recipe GAPS compliant?

It is GAPS compliant on full GAPS if you have prepared the nuts properly! Check your spices to be sure they are GAPS friendly. As far as I know, smoked paprika is not really GAPS compliant, but regular paprika is. Make your own decision there.

I like to make spiced nuts without sugar to keep them GAPS friendly. Sugar and maple syrup are not GAPS approved, but you could use a bit of honey in the pumpkin spiced version if you want. Stir constantly to prevent burning!

What do I do with spiced nuts?

There are possibilities! Some of my favorite uses include:

sprinkling on top of a salad for flavor, interest, and crunch (this is a wonderful alternative to croutons)
top certain soups, like butternut squash soup
use the pumpkin spiced nuts over a fruit crisp or in cookies
use one of the savory versions over green bean casserole in place of fried onions
toss a few pumpkin spiced nuts over ice cream, or even stir them into homemade ice cream, like banana bread ice cream
if you eat oatmeal and other cereals, sprinkle the pumpkin spice ones on top
use in trail mix
eat them as a snack!