Raw Or Roasted Nuts

Our answer

Nigella's Bar Nuts recipe from SIMPLY NIGELLA roasts a mixture of nuts and then coats them is a herby, slightly spiced butter. They are wonderful served warm and as the recipe is straightforward it is easy to make a larger quantity for a party. As the nuts are roasted in a moderatley hot oven it is best to use raw nuts that have not alrady been roasted. if they are pre-roasted then there is a risk that the nuts will turn dark on a second roasting and become bitter.

It is also preferable to use nuts that have been blanched or skinned, particularly for peanuts, which have very papery skins, and almonds, which have slightly thick skins. Hazelnuts often come with their skins on, so if you wanted to remove the skins before adding them to the butter mixture then roast the hazelnuts on a separate baking sheet and then carefully transfer them to a clean tea towel. Rub the nuts briefly in the towel and most of the skins should flake off.