Food | Coffee Roasted Nuts

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in candied coffee-coated peanuts, you know just how addictive they can be. I discovered that while perusing the Modderfontein Farmer’s market in Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa. I bought some candied coffee coated peanuts at a farmers market. First time I had it, and still love it.

Explore the art of making candied coffee coated peanuts, find out a little about the history of roasted nuts in coffee, and the wide variety of nuts that perfectly complement one of the world’s favourite beverages.

Of Unknown Origin

The earliest evidence indicates roasted nuts were being used in coffee in the Middle East and North Africa in the 16th century. In Turkey, roasted hazelnuts were often added to coffee to give it a nutty flavour, while in France, roasted almonds were often served with coffee.

Honey-roasted nuts became popular in Europe in the 18th century. Roasted nuts were introduced to the United States in the 19th century. They quickly became a popular snack, and they were also used in coffee drinks and deserts. Roasted peanuts are regularly added to coffee to give it a salty flavour in the USA.

Today, roasted nuts are a popular ingredient in both coffee drinks and desserts, and are also a popular on-the-go snack and health option, often used as a topping for salads and yoghurt.

DIY

Although the exact origin of coffee-roasted nuts is unclear, it is possible that this method of roasting peanuts in a mix of sugar and coffee is a unique and experimental variation created by individuals enjoyed the flavour of honey-roasted nuts. It may have emerged as a personal preference or an innovative culinary experiment by someone who enjoyed the flavours of coffee and sugar combined with nuts.

Making these delectable treats is easier than you might think! Let’s dive into the delightful world of roasted nuts and learn how to create this mouthwatering delight at home.

Ingredients

2 cups (275g) Raw or Unsalted Roasted Peanuts
1 cup (200g) Sugar
1/3 cup (75ml) Water
½ teaspoon Sea Salt or Smoked Salt (optional)
Ground Cinnamon or Chilli Powder (optional)
1 or 2 teaspoons Coffee, dissolved in water, or a small cup of Espresso, depending on desired strength

Method

In a heavy-duty skillet, combine the peanuts, sugar, and coffee water. The process starts with the tantalizing mixture simmering in a heavy-duty skillet over moderate heat. Constantly stir the mixture until the sugary liquid starts to crystallize. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re making a mistake—it’s all part of the process!

As the sugary liquid begins to crystallize, a touch of coffee is added, creating a perfect balance of flavours, or mix in a small cup of Espresso for a stronger touch. Keep stirring until the sugar and coffee mixture turns sandy and dry, coating the peanuts with a deliciously darkening syrup.

The peanuts are stirred continuously until the sugar mixture turns sandy and coats the peanuts with a delightful bronzed hue. Lower the heat and keep going. Make sure to scrape up any syrup collecting in the pan, coating the peanuts evenly.

To prevent burning, Occasionally tilt and remove the skillet from the heat while continuing to stir and coat the peanuts. It’s a delicate balance, like getting a nice tan without the burn. If things start to smoke, just remove the skillet temporarily, continue stirring, and coat those peanuts like a pro.

Right before your peanuts are perfectly done, a final touch of salt or a salt mixture is sprinkled over the peanuts, enhancing the savoury notes. Give it a few more stirs, then gently pour the peanuts onto a baking sheet or marble counter-top. Allow the peanuts to cool completely, breaking up any clumps that may form as they cool. Once cooled, store your irresistible creation in an airtight container. These delightful roasted nuts will stay fresh for up to a week. But trust us, they’ll likely disappear much sooner!

Unleash Your Creativity

Don’t limit yourself to just coffee and salt. Get adventurous and experiment with other spice and flavour combinations. Whether it’s a dash of cinnamon or a kick of chilli powder, feel free to customize your roasted nuts to suit your taste buds. Remember, simpler is usually better when it comes to letting those prime flavours shine.

Peanuts can also be replaced with other nuts, but the round variety of nuts work best. The options are plentiful. Here are some of the most popular nuts that harmonize exquisitely with coffee.

Nutty Variations

From Snack to Brew

Let’s not limit ourselves to just snacking on these Coffee Roasted Nuts. Roasted nuts aren’t just meant for snacking; they can also elevate your coffee experience. You can grind them up and add them to your coffee grounds before brewing for a flavourful infusion.

Coffee Companions

Take it up a notch and elevate your coffee experience. Roasted nuts can be added to coffee in a variety of ways. They can be ground up and added to the coffee grounds before brewing, or they can be added to the coffee after brewing.

Grind up those roasted nuts and infuse them into your coffee grounds for a flavour explosion. Or, if you prefer a little crunch in your cup, sprinkle them on top of your brewed coffee like fairy dust of a nutty goodness.

Inspired Flavour

Why not create your own coffee flavours with nuts? Hazelnut coffee, almond coffee, or maybe even a pistachio-infused brew. Let your imagination run wild and let those flavours dance on your taste buds. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Life is too short for bland snacks and boring beverages. Let roasted nuts and coffee be your culinary partners in crime, creating symphonies of flavour and moments of pure. The combination of roasted nuts and coffee creates a harmonious symphony of flavours. Whether enjoyed as a snack, added to coffee drinks, or incorporated into desserts, roasted nuts add a delightful crunch and a burst of nutty goodness to complement every bite.