Crispy Orange-Cardamom Nut Medley
Elevate your snack game with our Crispy Orange-Cardamom Nut Medley. Bursting with flavor from aromatic cardamom and zesty orange, this delightful mix is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during a quiet moment with your favorite book. The nuts are first coated in a light and fluffy egg white mixture that helps create a crispy texture. A blend of sugar and spices adds a sweet and spicy crunch that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you serve them as a sophisticated appetizer or a midday pick-me-up, this nut medley is sure to impress. Plus, they can be stored for weeks, making them a perfect pantry staple for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
640
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 large (Separate the egg white from the yolk.)
Fresh orange zest
1 tablespoon (Zest from one fresh orange.)
Fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon (Juiced from one fresh orange.)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (Use pure vanilla extract.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Regular table or sea salt.)
Unsalted nuts
1 lb (Choose your preferred variety (e.g., almonds, cashews, pecans).)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated white sugar.)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (Use freshly ground for best flavor.)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Use freshly ground for a more robust flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, separate the egg white from the yolk (reserve the yolk for a different recipe). Whisk the egg white until frothy, then incorporate the fresh orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3
Add the unsalted nuts to the egg white mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the nuts to drain in a colander for about 4 to 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, ground cardamom, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the drained nuts to this mixture and toss well to ensure they are fully coated in the sweet and spicy spice blend.
5
Spread the coated nuts evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring the nuts and rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking. The nuts should be golden brown and dry when finished.
6
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break apart any clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition Information
48g
Fat
36g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Orange-Cardamom Nut Medley?
It is a flavorful snack made of nuts coated in a frothy egg white mixture, sugar, aromatic cardamom, and zesty orange, then baked until crispy.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for baking these nuts.
How long do the nuts need to bake?
The nuts should bake for 40 to 45 minutes until they are golden brown and dry.
Should I use the whole egg for the coating?
No, use only the egg white. You can reserve the yolk for a different recipe.
What type of nuts are recommended?
You can use any unsalted nuts you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or pecans.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest, which is typically the zest from one orange.
Is fresh orange juice necessary?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
Why do the nuts need to drain in a colander?
Draining the nuts for 4 to 5 minutes removes excess moisture from the egg white mixture, ensuring a crispier texture.
What spices are used in the spice blend?
The blend consists of sugar, ground cardamom, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I prevent the nuts from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
Should I stir the nuts while they are in the oven?
Yes, stir the nuts and rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
How long can I store the finished nut medley?
The nuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this nut medley is naturally gluten-free.
What is the purpose of the egg white?
The whisked egg white helps the sugar and spices adhere to the nuts and creates a light, crispy texture.
How much vanilla extract should I add?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What does the cardamom add to the recipe?
Cardamom provides a sweet, aromatic, and slightly floral spice profile that complements the orange.
Can I use salted nuts instead of unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted nuts because a teaspoon of salt is added separately; using salted nuts may make the snack too salty.
How do I know when the nuts are done baking?
The nuts are ready when they appear golden brown and feel dry to the touch.
Do I need to cool the nuts before storing them?
Yes, allow the nuts to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking apart clusters and storing them.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving sizes aren't provided, 1 lb of nuts serves as a multi-portion snack or appetizer.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 640 calories, 48g of fat, 36g of carbohydrates, and 16g of protein.
Why is black pepper used in a sweet nut recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper adds a robust, spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the sugar and orange.
Can this recipe be used as a gift?
Absolutely; because it stores well for 3 weeks, it makes an excellent homemade gift.
How much sugar is in the coating?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While bottled juice works, fresh juice is recommended for a more vibrant citrus flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, this recipe contains egg whites, making it vegetarian but not vegan.
What kind of vanilla extract is best?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the nuts, citrus, and spices.
What should I do if the nuts are still sticky after 45 minutes?
Ensure they have been stirred well; if still wet, bake for a few extra minutes, but remember they crisp up further as they cool.
What is the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.