Danger Alert. These Cashews Are Dangerously Addictive
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying at home, roasted rosemary cashews are a must-try. This recipe elevates the natural richness of cashews with the earthy fragrance of rosemary, offering a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Roasting the nuts enhances their buttery texture and brings out their nutty taste, while the rosemary adds an aromatic, woodsy element. A dash of sea salt and a hint of spice make this snack utterly irresistible.
These roasted cashews are perfect for serving at parties, pairing with a cheese board, or enjoying as a healthy snack. They’re simple to make, and the ingredients are likely already in your pantry.
The addition of fresh rosemary provides flavor and a beautiful herbal aroma that fills your kitchen while they roast. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something crunchy and satisfying, this roasted rosemary cashews recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your home.
Cashew Nuts
Cashews are tree nuts known for their creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor. They come from the Anacardium occidentale tree, which is native to Brazil but is now grown in tropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
What makes cashews unique is how they grow. The nuts are attached to the bottom of a cashew apple, a fruit produced by the cashew tree. The true seed, which we call the cashew “nut,” grows inside a hard shell covered in toxic oils, making it unsafe to consume raw cashews in their shell. To extract cashews safely, they are roasted or steamed to neutralize the oils, then carefully shelled.
Cashews are highly valued for their nutritional benefits. They are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and copper. They are versatile and used in various dishes, from snacks and trail mixes to creamy sauces and desserts. Their delicate flavor lets them pair well with herbs like rosemary or spices in sweet and savory recipes.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region, known for its woody stems, needle-like leaves, and distinctive aroma. Its culinary, medicinal, and aromatic properties have long been cherished.
The herb’s flavor is robust and slightly pine-like, with hints of citrus and pepper, making it a versatile ingredient in savory dishes and baked goods. Often used to enhance the flavor of roasted meats, vegetables, and bread, rosemary also pairs beautifully with nuts like cashews, infusing them with an earthy and aromatic quality.
In addition to its culinary uses, rosemary has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory-boosting properties. Its vibrant green leaves and bold flavor make it a popular herb in kitchens worldwide.
Roasted Rosemary Cashews Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw whole cashews
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary chopped fine
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove the leaves (needles) from the rosemary and chop fine.
- Roast the cashews on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes until roasted. Keep an eye on the cashews so they don't burn.
- When toasted a golden brown, remove from oven and combine with the rosemary, salt, olive oil, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings. If you like them hotter, add a little more red pepper flakes. Saltier? More salt.
4 Responses
I actually love cashews but these certainly put plain, old roasted cashews to shame. These are fabulous! But would I have to share them with guests?
Just made this and am thrilled with the recipe. Most recipes for Rosemary Cashews include brown sugar but I was looking for a totally savory nut. Great use for all that rosemary that grew this season.
Thanks do much for this fantastic recipe. Made them as a snack for Thanksgiving when my son was home from college and ever since then I have had to keep him supplied away at school. Hmmmmmm, maybe I shouldn’t be thanking you!
Glad you (he) liked them and yes, they are addictive.