What is the Best Way to Roast Raw Pistachios?

Historically, pistachio nuts have been a popular snack during the holidays and the winter season. However, they have now become a popular year-round snack food and recipe ingredient. The increase in the consumption of raw pistachios may be due to the ideal way they fit into today’s health-conscious diet and their culinary diversity. Pistachios kernels have a slightly fruity, sweet, and somewhat nutty flavor that many people find very appealing.

Unsalted Pistachios

Unsalted pistachios have many health benefits. Being unsalted, they can be included in a heart-healthy diet. They’re a good source of vitamins and minerals needed to support overall health. When adding nuts to a recipe, using raw pistachios that are unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of whatever you’re preparing.

Roasted Salted Pistachios

There are a couple of decisions you’ll need to make before you roast pistachio nuts. You’ll need to decide whether to dry roast them or lightly coat the nuts with oil before roasting them. You’ll also need to decide whether to shell the nuts and roast the pistachios kernels or roast them the shell. The partially opened shell of pistachio nuts enables salt and other seasonings to reach the kernel inside the shell.

Preparing Roasted Salted Pistachios

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Spread pistachios in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 minutes, remove pan, stir the nuts with a spoon or shake the pan and return it to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice a nutty fragrance as the nuts near completion.

Remove roasted pistachios from the oven and allow them to cool 20 minutes before storing them in an air tight container.

If you want to prepare roasted salted pistachios, you simply sprinkle the nuts with salt once you’ve placed them on the baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the nuts. You can get as creative as you like with the seasonings you sprinkle on the raw pistachios. Rosemary, garlic powder, Chile powder, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon are just a few seasonings that are good to use when roasting pistachios.