Savory and Satisfying Slow Roasted Almonds with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Are you looking for a truly healthy and naturally gluten free snack that will quench your Netflix binge salt craving?

These satisfying savory slow roasted almonds are exactly what you need.  Slow roasting whole almonds in the oven is easy and will fill your home with an enticing aroma.

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This recipe was inspired by my husbands and my journey with the keto diet.  1/4 cup of slow roasted almonds lightly seasoned with sea salt and olive oil are a delicious keto friendly snack that we both enjoy. I hope you will too.

We started out buying roasted almonds with sea salt and olive oil from the grocery store but they were so expensive.  A 550g bag is $15.99!  With the rising cost of groceries, and especially the cost of gluten free food, I figured anything the food industry can do, you and I can do better, and cheaper.

About the Ingredients

Are Almonds Gluten Free?

Like all nuts, almonds are naturally gluten free, but be sure to check the label as some have a “may contain wheat” statement.  This likely has to do with the facility where they are processed.  I get my almonds at Bulk Barn where they are reasonably priced and no “may contain”.

Are Almonds Healthy?

Yes! Almonds are high in fiber and protein as well has healthy unsaturated fats.¹  They are an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin E, riboflavin and phosphorus.  One ounce (28g) of almonds has 33% of your recommended daily allowance of copper and 27% of manganese.  That same one ounce serving has only 2.6g net carbs making this roasted almond snack perfect for the keto diet.²

Just watch your serving size.  Almonds are pretty high in fat.  Even though it's healthy fat, you can stack up the calories quickly.

1/4 cup of slow roasted almonds with olive oil and sea salt (a little more than an ounce) has 180 calories and 3.5 grams net carbs.

Which Almonds are Best for Roasting in the Oven?

You want to buy natural, raw, unsalted almonds.  I get the Natural Supreme almonds from the Bulk Barn.  The only ingredient is almonds and they are the least expensive ones there.  You can also buy raw almonds from Amazon, or check the organic or baking sections of your supermarket.

What Kind of Olive Oil Should I Use?

Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil because, next to the almonds, the olive oil is the star of this show. 

Olive oil is a heart healthy fat.  It’s high in monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid which has been shown to reduce inflammation and even reduce the risk of cancer.  Olive oil is at the center of the Mediterranean diet and is one of the key reasons why the Mediterranean diet is considered so healthy.³

Is It Okay to Cook With Olive Oil

Yes, it’s fine.  Some people are concerned about cooking with unsaturated fats because as those fats are heated to high heats, they can produce toxic compounds. Olive oil is a very stable oil with a smoke point of over 400°F, so that is not a concern.

The Spices

In addition to the sea salt and olive oil, I add a little cumin, oregano and thyme to my slow roasted almonds.  It's optional.  You can also try a different combination of herbs or spices if you like.  I enjoy the cumin and thyme because it's simple and subtle.  It adds a little flavor boost without being over powering.

The Recipe

Savory and Satisfying Slow Roasted Almonds with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

By Patty Maguire – Naturally Gluten Free,

Are you looking for a truly healthy and naturally gluten free snack that will quench your Netflix binge salt craving? This satisfying savory roasted almond recipe is exactly what you need. Slow roasting whole almonds in the oven is easy and will fill your home with an enticing aroma.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Yield: 6½ cups or 26 servings
Tags: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Grain Free, Keto and Sugar Free

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of raw, unsalted almonds (about 6½ cups)
• ¼ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F


2. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil, salt and spices.


3. Add to the almonds and mix thoroughly.


4. Spread the nuts on a large parchment lined baking pan or two smaller pans. They should be in a single layer. If there are too many nuts on the pan they will just take a little longer to roast.


5. Roast in the oven for 1 hour. Turn the nuts with a spatula about ½ way through the cooking time. If needed, roast for an extra 15 minutes.


6. Let the nuts cool then transfer to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.