Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts (EASY + LOW CARB) 🥜

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The chai spice mixture on these chai spiced mixed nuts is so fragrant and warming i can guarantee you will be snacking on these all year round.

Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts in a small black bowl.

Ready for your kitchen to smell all nice and cozy and fall(ish)? These Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts will do the trick. So fragrant and warm you'll want to make these over and over again for the delicious smells alone!

We’re a huge fan of nuts for a quick snack but sometimes plain old almonds are bor-ingggg. That’s where spices step in! One of our favorite ways to live up some nuts is to cook them with some spices and a bit of oil.

For these, we went with a fall flavor and used a quick homemade chai spice blend.

Jump to:

Spiced nuts recipe: preparation and cooking overview

Gather ingredients and prepare the homemade chai spice mix for this Chai Spiced Nuts recipe. Combine the almonds, pepitas, pecan halves, coconut oil, brown erythritol, and Chai spices, ensuring everything is ready to create a fragrant and flavorsome snack.

Next, heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet, and add the nuts and spice mix. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the nuts are toasted, and the spices release their enticing aroma. Allow the nuts to cool slightly before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

This quick and straightforward process gives you a delicious batch of Chai-Spiced Mixed Nuts that are perfect for any occasion.

We love snacking on nuts, and these Keto Nut Clusters are one of our favorites; we just had a great idea! What if you made the chocolate clusters with these Chai Spiced Nuts?! Chocolate + Chai = SO GOOD.

Chef's note

We are always on the lookout for dishes that not only taste incredible but also offer health benefits. These Keto Spiced Nuts are a perfect example. Nuts are packed with nutrients like healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help support heart health and provide sustained energy. The chai spices, inspired by Indian cuisine, also boast various health benefits.

For instance, ginger and cinnamon have been known to aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels, while cardamom is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

India, a land of diverse cultures and culinary treasures, has been known for its exceptional use of spices. The use of chai spices in this recipe is a testament to that. Chai, a popular Indian beverage, is traditionally made with black tea and a blend of aromatic spices, which vary from region to region.

By incorporating these warm spices into our mixed nuts, we're bringing a taste of India into your kitchen and celebrating the rich heritage of Indian cuisine.

Fun fact: Did you know that India is the world's largest producer and consumer of spices? It's no wonder that Indian cuisine is renowned for its classic flavors and aromatic dishes.

Let us share a little secret: There's nothing like sharing a homemade snack with friends and family. These keto-friendly Chai spiced nuts make a fantastic gift, especially during the festive season. Just package them in a beautiful jar or a cute little bag, and you'll have a heartwarming present that will delight your loved ones.

Recipe makes 16 servings

This delightful recipe yields 16 servings, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying throughout the week. So unleash your creativity, and make this recipe your own!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 16 Servings

Ingredients for this Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts recipe

1 tablespoon (14g) coconut oil
1 tablespoon (12g) brown erythritol (such as Swerve)
1 cup (143g) raw almonds
½ cup (64g) raw pepitas
½ cup (50g) pecan halves

For Chai Spice Mix:

1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ Teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
⅛ teaspoon salt

Ingredient substitutions

Coconut oil can be replaced with butter, ghee, or another oil of your choice.
Brown erythritol can be substituted with regular erythritol, coconut sugar, or another sweetener that suits your preference.
Almonds can be replaced with other nuts, such as cashews, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
Pepitas can be substituted with sunflower seeds or another seed of your choice.
You can use a pre-made chai spice blend if you still need to get all the individual spices for the chai spice mix.

Additional ingredients

For added sweetness, you can drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the nuts once they're cooked.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to give the nuts a savory twist.
You can sprinkle a dash of black pepper or chili powder for an extra layer of flavor for a spicy kick.

Cooking tools required

To make this chai spiced nut recipe:

10.5-inch cast iron skillet
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Airtight container for storage

Tools substitute options

If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use a non-stick or stainless steel skillet, but keep in mind that the heat distribution may be different, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
You can use any large bowl or even a plate to mix the spices and nuts instead of a mixing bowl.

How to make Chai Spiced Nuts: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

For this keto spicy nuts recipe, we'll use the stovetop cooking method with a cast iron skillet. This method allows the nuts to toast evenly while the spices release their full potential, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma. Plus, it's a quick and convenient alternative to baking!

Preparation steps

Measure out all the ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine the spices for the chai spice mix.
Mix the almonds, pepitas, and pecan halves in a separate bowl.
Pour the chai spice mix over the nuts and toss to coat them evenly.

Instructions

Heat the oil over low heat in a large 10.5" cast iron skillet.
Add the almond and spice mix to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until toasted, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the nuts to cool slightly.
Store the Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy!

How to make it healthier

Opt for organic ingredients whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and chemicals.
Replace the brown erythritol with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract to reduce sugar content.
Use a high-quality oil with an excellent nutritional profile, such as avocado or extra virgin olive oil, instead of coconut oil.
Add more seeds, such as chia or flax seeds, to increase the fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content.

Time-saving tips

Purchase pre-made chai spice mix instead of making it from scratch.
Use pre-roasted nuts to save time on toasting; just be mindful of the salt content and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Use a non-stick skillet to reduce the chance of the nuts sticking to the pan, making cleanup quicker.
Prepare a double or triple batch of the chai spice mix and store it in an airtight container so you always have some on hand for future use.

What can i prepare ahead of time

Pre-mix the chai spice blend and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Measure and combine the nuts in a container, ready to be tossed with the spices and cooked when needed.

Serving size suggestions

Portion the spiced nuts into small snack-sized bags or containers for easy, on-the-go snacking.
Serve the Chai Spiced Nuts as part of a cheese or charcuterie board at parties or gatherings.
Combine the spiced nuts with dried fruit and chocolate chips to create a unique chai-spiced trail mix.

Nutrition facts

Chai Spiced Nut Mix Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 95 (Calories from Fat 81)
% Daily Value*
- Fat: 9g (14%)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)
- Sodium: 19mg (1%)
- Potassium: 96mg (3%)
- Carbohydrates: 3g (1%)
- Fiber: 2g (8%)
- Sugar: 1g (1%)
- Protein: 3g (6%)
- Calcium: 28mg (3%)
- Iron: 1mg (6%)

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

Storage and reheating instructions

You don't need to reheat the spiced nuts. But if you feel like reheating, use the following techniques

Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the leftover nuts on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Reheat them for about 5-10 minutes or until warm and slightly crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-toasting or burning.
Stovetop: Heat a dry, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the nuts in a single layer and toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed and slightly crisp. Be cautious not to burn them, as they can go from toasted to burnt quickly.
Microwave: While it is possible to reheat nuts in the microwave, it is not the preferred method due to the risk of uneven heating and sogginess. If you must use a microwave, place the nuts on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in short intervals (10-15 seconds), checking and stirring between intervals until warm. Be aware that the texture might not be as crisp as when using the oven or stovetop methods.

Best Practices:

Reheat only the amount of nuts you plan to consume, as repeated reheating may degrade the texture and layers of flavor.
Use parchment paper on the rimmed baking sheet when reheating in the oven to minimize sticking and make cleanup easier.
Monitor the reheating process closely, regardless of the method used, to avoid over-toasting or burning the nuts.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, folks! We just mastered the making of keto Chai spiced mixed nuts. We've explored various tips and tricks, learned how to make this treat healthier, and even discovered how to store and reheat leftovers (if there are any!).

In conclusion, this flavorful nut medley, infused with chai spices' warm, aromatic essence, will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and elevate your snacking game to new heights. It's time to say goodbye to those mundane, run-of-the-mill snacks and usher in a new era of nutty indulgence.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, round up your ingredients, and let the sweet and spicy aroma of chai spices envelop your kitchen, turning it into a culinary oasis. And remember, when your friends and family can't stop raving about these delectable morsels, you can always tell them it was a "nutty little secret" that transformed an ordinary snack into an unforgettable masterpiece.

Happy snacking, and may the Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts forever hold a special place in your heart (and stomach)!

We love snacking on nuts, these Keto Nut Clusters are one of our favorites and we just had a great idea! What if you made the chocolate clusters with these Chai Spiced Nuts?! Chocolate + Chai = SO GOOD.

Frequently asked questions

You can use a pre-made chai tea mix instead of the homemade chai spice blend. However, remember that some chai tea mixes may contain added sweeteners, so you may need to adjust the amount of brown erythritol in the recipe accordingly.

Absolutely! Adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots can introduce a new layer of flavor and texture to the nut mix. Just be mindful of the additional sugar content from the dried fruits if you're following a keto diet.

Yes, you can air-fry the Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts. Preheat your air-fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the nuts for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the nuts to prevent over-toasting or burning.

The nuts are properly toasted when they turn golden brown and give off a fragrant, warm aroma. Cooking time may vary depending on the heat and type of skillet used, so keep an eye on them and use your senses to judge when they're ready.

You can use sugar-free syrup, such as monk fruit or stevia-based syrup, as a sweetener instead of brown erythritol. However, remember that the syrup may make the nuts stickier, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the nuts are evenly coated and cooked.

To prevent the nuts from becoming too salty, use unsalted nuts and adjust the salt in the chai spice mix according to your taste preferences. If using pre-roasted nuts, be aware of their salt content and adjust the recipe accordingly.

To make this recipe nut-free, you can substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even soy nuts. The texture and flavor may differ from the original recipe, but it will still be a delicious and allergy-friendly snack.

You can pair the Chai Spiced Mixed Nuts with fresh fruit for a delicious and nutritious snack. Combining the warm and aromatic flavors of the spiced nuts with the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh fruit creates a well-balanced and satisfying treat. Consider trying nuts with apple slices, grapes, or a fruit salad for a delightful snack that combines the best of both worlds.

📖 Recipe