Spicy Nut Mix

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A flavorful spicy nut mix with warm cumin, curry, and cayenne notes, perfect for snacking or parties, appealing to those who enjoy savory, crunchy treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 6 cups bite-size shredded cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
  • 1 (12 oz) can mixed nuts or peanuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine, then stir in the brown sugar, ground cumin, curry powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cereal, mixed nuts, and pretzels.
  4. Add the margarine mixture to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
  5. Turn the mixture into a shallow baking pan and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  6. Cool the nut mix on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider increasing the cayenne pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. You can substitute the mixed nuts with any nuts of your choice, like walnuts or almonds, based on your preference. If you want a sweeter version, try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup, similar to the sweetness found in Sugar-Free Orange Oatmeal Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Nut Mix is perfect for snacking on its own, but also makes a great addition to a cheese board or as a topping for salads. Pair it with a refreshing drink or serve alongside a bowl of popcorn for a movie night. It complements well with the flavors of a sweet dessert like Applesauce Cake(Low-Fat) for a balanced treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Spicy Nut Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid refrigerating it. If the mix becomes soft, you can re-crisp it in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spicy Nut Mix contains roughly 1950 calories, with 12g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1950 kcal 97% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 206.8g 100% DV
Carbs 18.7g 7% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 29.1mg 1% DV
Potassium 587.6mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 540mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 35.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Calcium 202.3mg 16% DV
Iron 11.5mg 64% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cereal for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any bite-size shredded cereal you prefer, such as corn, rice, or wheat. Each type will lend a different texture and flavor to the mix, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this Spicy Nut Mix vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that the mixed nuts do not contain any added dairy ingredients to keep it fully vegan.

How can I adjust the spice level to suit my taste?

To adjust the spice level, start with the suggested cayenne pepper and taste the mixture before baking. You can add more spice gradually or even mix in other spices like paprika or chili powder for different flavor profiles, depending on your preference.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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