How to Roast Walnuts

Walnuts are a super food. According to the Walnut Marketing Board walnuts are the only nuts with high omega-3 content. The nuts contain antioxidants, melatonin, fiber and protein. They have a crunchy texture great in salads, cookies, snacks and desserts. Walnuts have a special flavor brought out by roasting. Roasted walnuts are a perfect garnish or addition to favorite recipes. You can roast walnuts plain or flavored in minutes.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Microwave
• Microwave dish
• Fork
• Oil
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Rosemary sprig (optional)

1. Use a microwave oven. The microwave is the cool and fast way to roast walnuts. Walnuts can be roasted in the oven or on the stove top but require careful attention to avoid scorching.

2. Spread half a cup of walnut pieces in a microwave dish. Roast dry or add a teaspoon of cooking oil or butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the walnuts. Microwave for 1 more minute. Use in your favorite recipe.

3. Make them sweet. Spread 1/2 cup of walnut pieces in a microwave dish. Add a teaspoon of cooking oil or butter, 1/2 tsp. brown sugar and dash of cinnamon. Stir well. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir to coat walnuts in sugar and cinnamon. Microwave for one more minute. Use as a snack, in desserts or for topping.

4. Season with herbs. Spread half a cup of walnut pieces in a microwave dish. Add 1 tsp. of cooking oil or butter, half a dozen rosemary leaves and dash of garlic powder. Stir well. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir the walnuts. Microwave for one more minute. Use on salads, asparagus, chicken and rice dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Roast walnuts before chopping.

• Use cooking oil to help the walnuts brown more evenly and quickly.

• Refrigerate extra nuts in an airtight storage container.

• It is better to undercook rather than overcook the walnuts.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• California Walnuts