Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts

Although this recipe contains just a handful of basic ingredients, there is one, very clever, little cooking tip which will enhance the dishes in which you use these nuts. The clue is in the title; you roast the nuts!

This easy recipe for Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts is deceptively simple.

It is, however, very versatile. These roasted nuts are a welcome addition to many savoury dishes.

If you’ve never roasted nuts before, this technique will be a revelation. When you apply heat to the walnuts, you release their essential oils and enrich flavours that would not be present if the nuts were raw. Roasting the walnuts reduces their moisture content, thus causing them to become deliciously crisp and crunchy.

In this recipe, after roasting the walnuts, I add them to a tea towel and rub them vigorously to remove as much of their skin as possible. Walnut skins are high in tannins which many people find bitter. Roasting the nuts and removing as much skin as possible, enhances their deep, nutty flavour and minimises any potential bitterness.

I further enhance the flavour of these crispy, Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts by coating them lightly in olive oil, sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper.

You will find many ways in which to use these roasted walnuts which are ready in less than 20 minutes. They will add a crunchy texture and earthy flavour to many dishes. Keep some in an airtight container and I guarantee that they will not last long.

Why should we roast walnuts?

I learnt this tip from one of Australia’s favourite cooks, the wonderful Maggie Beer. She advises that the high oil content of walnuts makes them prone to becoming rancid. Furthermore, she says that those which are sold shelled are often rancid and advises to never omit the step of roasting them.

I use these ingredients to make the Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts:

Walnuts:

The history of walnuts dates back thousands of years. They are one of the oldest tree foods, dating back to 7000 B.C. However, technically, walnuts are not a true, botanical nut; they are actually a seed.

Walnuts are sold in two forms; shelled or still in their shell. They contain a lot of health-benefiting oil and for this reason, they can turn rancid very quickly.

To extend their life, shelled walnuts should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

However, for longer-term storage, it is best to buy unshelled nuts. If you plan on using them soon you can keep them in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils to use, but if you prefer, you could use oil with a more neutral flavour, such as grapeseed oil.

Sea salt:

My choice is for Maldon Sea Salt flakes as it adds great texture and flavour. However, you could also use regular sea salt.

Black Pepper:

For the best flavour, always add freshly ground black pepper.

How to buy walnuts:

If you want walnuts with the longest shelf life, I strongly advise to buy them whole, in the shell. However, realistically speaking, this is not always convenient as it does take some time to shell them.

If buying them in the shell, they should seem heavy and full. The shells should not have cracks, holes or stains; this may be a sign of mould.

Shelled walnuts should appear plump and pale. Avoid those that are shrivelled or discoloured.

Tips for success for Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts:

The most important tip is to always start with good quality walnuts. See the tips above for purchasing walnuts.   

I always roast nuts in the oven. The dry, indirect heat of the oven ensures that the nuts roast evenly. Although some recipes stipulate roasting nuts in a frying pan, I find the heat to be less even and you may end up with some charred spots. Cooking on the stove may lessen the actual cooking time but it does require constant vigilance and the result may be less than satisfactory.

When it comes to serving the Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts:

• Serve as a snack in a bowl with cocktails;
• Enjoy as a healthy snack;
• Add to a cheeseboard;
• Wrap in cellophane as a homemade edible gift;
• Add to a rice pilaf;
• Sprinkle on a bowl of soup;
• Serve on top of my salads:
  - Orange, Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
  - Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad

Other uses for Walnuts:

• Garnish for my Gluten-Free Carrot Cake;
• Add some to the batter of my Decadent Chocolate Brownies;
• Rocket and Walnut Pesto by Another Food Blogger;
• Walnut Cinnamon Bun Keto Muffins by Mad Creations Hub;
• Blue Cheese Pasta with Walnuts by Sprinkles and Sprouts;
• Seared Scallops with Cauliflower Puree by Sprinkles and Sprouts.

You will find these Salt and Pepper Roasted Walnuts are a great addition to many dishes.

Do let me know in the comments below when you try them!
Alex xx