You Can Toast Nuts in the Microwave

Toasted nuts make a tasty addition to salads and desserts and are even delicious by themselves as a snack. Toasting them might seem like it a difficult process, but it is actually fairly simple and takes only a matter of minutes. Believe it or not, you can even toast nuts in the microwave, and with a little bit of care, they can turn out just as savory and crunchy as oven-toasted nuts.

Toasting process

Microwave toasting works for cashews, pecans, walnuts, almonds and most other common types of nuts. Because nuts naturally contain oil and fat, you don't need to add any butter or oil to toast them. Just grab one type of nuts or a mixture of your favorites, and that's pretty much all you need.

• Spread the nuts evenly on a flat, microwave-safe dish or plate.
• Cook on high power for three to four minutes (for half a cup) or four to five minutes (for a full cup).
• Keep a watchful eye, because microwave cooking can vary, depending on the individual oven.
• Stir three times during cooking.
• Remove when the nuts are almost as brown as you'd like them to be. They will continue to cook for a minute or so after coming out of the microwave.
• Salt and season as desired.

Seasoning ideas

Toasted nuts are a welcome addition to meals, snacks and desserts because of their versatility. Much of their taste is due to the variety of seasonings with which they're topped. Favorites range from salty to spicy to sweet and everything in between.

• Spicy toasted walnuts are tasty by themselves or as a topping for Asian cuisine. Mix a cup of toasted walnut halves with a teaspoon of soy sauce and some paprika, ginger and garlic powder.
• Sweet toasted pecans make a delicious dessert topping or a decadent snack. Mix a cup of pecan halves with a tablespoon of margarine, some granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.
• Simple toasted almonds are a tasty salad topping or a fine addition to a snack mix. Mix one cup of toasted almonds with some margarine, salt and garlic powder to taste.

Toasting nuts in the microwave is a simple process that can bring out lots of flavor in your favorite nuts. In a matter of minutes, you will have crunchy, toasted nuts that make perfect snacks or toppings for desserts and other dishes.