How to Toast Walnuts

We all know that walnuts are among one of the most highly nutritious nuts. These nuts are either enjoyed as snacks or added to other food recipes. You may consume both regular and toasted versions. But, toasted walnuts are always better in flavor and taste.

Toasting Walnuts

Toasting nuts like almonds, pistachios, pecans, etc, brings out the flavor in them. It is one of the delicious ways of reaping walnuts health benefits. The same applies to walnuts too. You can toast these nuts and enjoy the crispness and flavor. You can use an oven, microwave or stove top, for this purpose.

Toast Walnuts in Oven
Preheat the device to 350° F. Take an ungreased cookie sheet or a baking sheet with rim and spread the walnuts over it in a single layer. Make sure to use cookie sheet or baking sheet with rim, so that the nuts do not spill inside the oven accidentally. Bake the walnuts till they turn golden brown in color. This will take around five to ten minutes. You have to turn the walnut once or twice during this period, so as to ensure even toasting and to prevent burning. Remove the walnuts from the oven, as soon they turn golden in color, as they will continue cooking for a few more minutes. Use the walnuts, once they cool down.

Toasting Walnuts on Stove Top
For this purpose, get shelled walnuts and split them into halves. Take a skillet of required size and place it on medium heat. Add the walnuts and heat them till they release the nutty aroma and turn golden brown in color. But, you have to stir them constantly during this time, so as to prevent burning of the nuts, which are on the bottom of the skillet. Once done, remove the skillet from the stove and let it cool before use. This method is the best, if you want to toast a small amount of walnuts.

How to Use a Microwave for Toasting Walnuts
Walnuts can also be toasted in microwave ovens too. In this method too, you have to spread the shelled and halved walnuts on a microwave safe plate with rim. Keep the plate inside the microwave and cook on high for a full minute. After that, remove the plate and mix the nuts. Keep it inside the microwave and cook for another full minute. Take out and mix the walnuts again, and put them back in the microwave. In another four to five rounds, your toasted walnuts will be ready. The duration of the process may vary as per the size of the walnut, type (like fresh or frozen), etc. So, you have to check the doneness from the crispiness and aroma of the nuts. This method too is good for small amounts of walnuts. If you have lots of them, oven toasting is the best method.

You can try any of the above said methods, as per your convenience. You may also add little bit of oil while toasting walnuts. Once cool, immediately use the toasted walnuts, or else, store in air tight containers for up to one week. You may also freeze these walnuts for one month, however, in that case, let them stand for around ten to fifteen minutes, once you remove from the freezer for use. Toasting may not significantly change the nutritional value of walnuts. ¼ cup of toasted walnuts amounts to 250 calories and contains 10 mg cholesterol, 15 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber and 7 gram protein.