How to Toast Walnuts

In case of most of the nuts, toasting brings out a rich flavor, which may not be found in regular ones. Walnuts are no exception. Toasting walnuts is not a difficult task, and can be done at home. You may use toasted nuts in recipes that call for the same. They are also good as snacks.

Preheat the device to 375° F. Take an ungreased cookie sheet or a baking sheet with rim, and spread the walnuts (shelled) in a single layer. Make sure to use a 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 walnuts once or twice during this period, so as to ensure even toasting, and to prevent burning.

Remove the walnuts from the oven, as soon as they turn golden in color. The nuts will continue cooking for a few more minutes after you take them out. Let them cool before storage. For shelled walnuts, preheat the oven to 350° F, and bake for around 10 minutes. Shelled ones cook faster.

Get shelled walnuts and split them into halves. Take a skillet of required size, and place it on medium heat. Heat the walnuts till they release a nutty aroma, and turn golden brown in color. Don't forget to stir them constantly, so as to prevent burning of the nuts, which are at the bottom of the skillet. Once done, remove the skillet from the stove, and let the walnuts cool before use. This method is the best, if you want to toast a small amount of walnuts.

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 turn the nuts. Keep the plate inside the microwave, and cook for another full minute.

Take out and turn the walnuts, and put them back again. In another four to five rounds (of one minute each), your toasted walnuts will be ready. The duration of the process may vary as per the size and type (like fresh or frozen) of walnut.

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. Though not needed, you may 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 a month. In that case, let them thaw for around 10 to 15 minutes, once you remove them 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.