Spicy Cashews Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed Aleppo peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon ghost pepper salt
• 1/4 teaspoon habanero chili powder

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Place the cashews in a resealable plastic bag. Drizzle the maple syrup over them and gently stir to coat the nuts.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the taco seasoning, Aleppo chili peppers, ghost pepper salt, and habanero chili powder.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the cashews, reseal the bag, and shake it well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
5. Spread the seasoned cashews in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Stir or shake the tray every 5 minutes to ensure the cashews are evenly toasted.
7. Once the cashews are done, remove the tray from the oven and allow them to cool completely, which should take about 15 minutes.
8. Once cooled, store the cashews in an airtight jar to keep them fresh.

Cook's Note

Both habanero chili powder and ghost pepper salt can be found online at Savory Spice. Please note that habanero chili powder is extremely spicy, and ghost peppers are five times hotter than habaneros, so proceed with caution!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Per Serving	Amount
Calories	201
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	140mg
Total Carbohydrate	15g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	6g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	20mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	242mg

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Spicy Cashews are a deliciously bold snack that packs a punch. These cashews are coated with a fiery blend of seasonings, including ghost pepper, Aleppo pepper, and habanero chili powder, which gives them a distinct spicy flavor. They are easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients, and are perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their food.

History and Origins

The exact origin of spicy cashews is unclear, but cashews themselves are native to Brazil, where they were first cultivated in the 16th century. They spread to other parts of the world, particularly Asia and Africa, where they became an integral part of local cuisines. The practice of spicing nuts, particularly cashews, can be traced back to Southeast Asia, where the combination of heat and crunch is a beloved snack. In recent years, the idea of creating spiced nuts has become popular in the United States as a gourmet snack, offering a fun twist on traditional nut preparations.

Regional Features

Spicy cashews are a popular snack in many parts of the world, especially in regions known for their love of bold, spicy flavors. In India, roasted nuts with chili powder are commonly served as street food or at social gatherings. In the United States, they are often found in bars and restaurants as a quick, savory appetizer, especially in the Southwest where spicy food is a staple. In the Middle East, spiced nuts are often paired with drinks, while in Southeast Asia, the combination of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors in snacks like spicy cashews is a culinary tradition.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

What sets spicy cashews apart from other spiced nut snacks, such as spiced almonds or peanuts, is the intense heat level provided by ghost pepper salt and habanero chili powder. Many other recipes rely on milder spices, but the inclusion of ghost pepper and habanero makes these cashews particularly fiery. Additionally, the slight sweetness from maple syrup adds a unique twist, balancing the heat with a touch of caramelization. This combination of heat and sweet is less common in traditional spiced nuts, making these cashews stand out in terms of flavor.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Spicy cashews are often served as a snack or appetizer at casual gatherings, such as parties or sports events. In bars and pubs, they are a popular choice to pair with alcoholic drinks, especially beer or cocktails, because their heat can stimulate the appetite and enhance the drinking experience. They are also a great addition to snack trays at picnics, barbecues, or movie nights. Due to their spicy nature, they are commonly found in places that serve bold, flavorful foods, such as Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants.

Fun Facts

• The ghost pepper, one of the main ingredients in spicy cashews, is one of the hottest peppers in the world, measuring over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
• Cashews are technically not nuts, but seeds that grow from the fruit of the cashew tree.
• In India, cashews are considered a symbol of prosperity and are often given as gifts during festivals.
• Spicy cashews are often added to salads or grain bowls to add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

FAQ about Spicy Cashews Recipe