Candied Nuts and Seeds: Sweet Vegan Garnish
Are you looking for a unique and delicious way to add some sweetness to your vegan dishes? Look no further than candied nuts and seeds! These bite-sized treats are not only vegan but also gluten-free, making them perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll show you how to make your own candied nuts and seeds at home using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Why Candied Nuts and Seeds?
1. Variety of Textures: Candied nuts and seeds offer a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of cooked vegetables or grains. This makes them an excellent garnish for salads, soups, entrees, and even desserts.
2. Natural Sweeteners: Unlike traditional candy, which often contains refined sugars and artificial flavors, candied nuts and seeds use natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. This means they’re much healthier than their store-bought counterparts.
3. Customizable Flavors: You can experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and more. Additionally, you can infuse the nuts and seeds with various flavors by adding spices, herbs, fruit juices, or zests.
4. Easy to Make: Making your own candied nuts and seeds is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a little time and patience to let the nuts and seeds soak and dry.
5. Cost-Effective: Homemade candied nuts and seeds are significantly cheaper than buying them pre-made at the store. Plus, you’ll know exactly what goes into them, ensuring that they’re free from unwanted additives.
How to Make Candied Nuts and Seeds
Ingredients:
* 1 cup of mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds)
* 1/4 cup of water
* 1/4 cup of maple syrup or agave nectar
* Optional: 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, or other desired spices
Instructions:
1. Rinse and drain the nuts and seeds, then place them in a medium bowl.
2. Add enough water to cover the nuts and seeds by about an inch. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Drain the nuts and seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Combine the maple syrup or agave nectar with the optional spices in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat until it reaches a simmer.
5. Pour the hot syrup mixture over the drained nuts and seeds, making sure everything is coated evenly.
6. Spread the nuts and seeds back onto the baking sheet, separating them as much as possible. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to cool completely.
7. Once the nuts and seeds are cold and hardened, remove them from the baking sheet and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
8. Enjoy your homemade candied nuts and seeds as a garnish for salads, soups, entrees, or desserts! They will keep for several weeks when stored properly.
Tips and Tricks:
* Experiment with different types of nuts and seeds, flavor combinations, and sweetener options to find your favorite.
* If you want to make larger batches, simply double or triple the recipe.
* For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of water used in step 1 by half.
* To prevent the nuts and seeds from sticking together, add a few drops of lemon juice to the water before soaking.
Now that you know how to make your own candied nuts and seeds, get creative and start incorporating them into your favorite vegan dishes!