Home Roasted Cashews

One or two years ago, I brought home a big bag of Costco cashews that I hoped to put out for the friends and family visiting the house over the holidays. But when I got home I noticed that I bought a bag of unsalted and raw cashews. So I set the bag aside and made other plans. But, after the holidays, I decided to just try my hand at roasting and salting them myself. I got online and found plenty of sites dedicated to roasting your own (links below). The results were excellent. It is very easy to make your own roasted, salted cashews and you can certainly make them less salty than your typical store bought cashews. But the real fun starts when you start to make your own personalized spice mixture.  

Cashews

The Costco raw cashews tend to be more consistent in their wholeness. Since it's a big Costco bag, 2 cups equal a pound which is what I roast each time. But the Trader Joe's unroasted and unsalted cashews also work and they come in convenient 1 lb. bags so it's easy to do a batch or two at a time.  

Oil

Use a neutral oil like Canola. I've also experimented with ghee and coconut oil. I've even seen some recipes that call for melted butter. But it all does pretty much the same thing so you have to decide what works for you. 

Salt

Most salt will probably work fine, but I found that fine grain Kosher salt worked better in coating more of the nuts. 

Cooking times

Cooking times will vary widely depending on your oven and your tastes. I start with 10 minutes, turning the cooking sheet around halfway through. At 10 minutes I start checking the oven frequently. It is easy to overcook them which will cause them to be bitter. I look for a nice golden, tan color. When done, remove from the oven and let cool. Be aware that when you taste them just out of the oven they will be a little soft (as well as hot). But as they cool, they will harden.

Seasonings/Spices

Create your own personal mix of seasonings. This makes a great, personalized holiday gift for your neighbors or coworkers. Here are a couple of ideas that I've played with.

Za'atar Roasted Cashews

• 1 lb. unsalted, raw cashews
• 2 tbsp. neutral oil
• 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. Za'atar 
• 1 tsp. spice mixture of choice (I used Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute)
• 1 pinch cayenne
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Spiced Honey Roasted Cashews

• 1 lb. unsalted, raw cashews
• 2 tbsp. neutral oil
• 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. salt
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1 tbsp. honey (warmed so that it's pourable)
• 1 tsp. spice mixture of choice
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)

Spray the parchment paper with some non-stick spray as the honey will make it a little sticky. 

Basic Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place the raw cashews in a large bowl
3. Add the oil and stir to mix.
4. Add the salt and seasonings of your choice and stir to mix
5. Spread cashews out on a parchment paper covered baking sheet (18" x 13") making sure they are all one level.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, turning it around after 5 minutes. After 10 minutes, continue to roast for a few more minutes. Check often during the last few minutes to avoid burning. 
7. Remove from the oven when cashews are golden brown. Remove and let cool on the sheet.

Links for more ideas:

https://www.texanerin.com/how-to-roast-cashews/

https://www.kitchenathoskins.com/salt-and-pepper-cashews/

https://www.culinaryhill.com/how-to-roast-cashews/

https://paleogrubs.com/spicy-roasted-cashews