Spiced Nuts

Most nuts are sweet, slightly astringent, heavy, and have a heating effect on the body. They are strengthening, nourishing, and good for building Ojas, as they contain healthy fats and protein. However, they can be hard to digest if eaten in the wrong quantity, at the wrong time, or by someone with weak digestion.
Ayurveda recommends soaking nuts for 6-8 hours to reduce their hot potency or dry roasting them, with or without spices, to help break down their fibrous structure. Peeling the skin of nuts makes them more digestible, and eating them in small quantities, either in the morning or in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak and digestion is strong, or as a light snack early in the evening. Eating nuts late at night or in large quantities is not recommended.

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:
1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios…)
10 curry leaves (optional)
2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation Method:
– Preheat the oven to 180C
– In a bowl, add the nuts, salt, spices, curry leaves, and water. Mix to coat all the nuts with the spices.
– Transfer the nuts to a small baking dish and roast them in the oven for 20 minutes.
– Allow them to cool completely before eating. Store in an airtight container or a glass jar.

Notes:
– Feel free to add in or take out any of the spices.