Roasted Almonds with Cocoa – just 3 ingredients, 15 minutes, one pan to make an easy, nutritious snack! Naturally vegan & gluten-free too. 

Since I already make a big deal about my school work, I figured I’d tell you how I kill 3 hours long video conference class on a Monday evening. Thank god for my enthusiastic professor & snacks. I don’t think I could have survived without snacks and a classmate (the only class mate) who is equally enthusiastic about eating during the class. Since the vending machines in my school has zero healthy options, I just got used to carrying few snacks including these Roasted Almonds with Cocoa. I am addicted to dark chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joes, which is why I made these Roasted Almonds with Cocoa so I could justify eating them by handful as a snack

It simply requires 3 ingredients, 15 minutes of your time, and a sheet pan which I am sure is doable for anyone. Like most nuts, almonds are an excellent option for snacking – it is loaded with monounsaturated fats (good fats), antioxidants, protein, micronutrients such as vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. So basically eat almonds, the recommendation is to eat one oz // 28 grams// small handful but really who can stop at a small handful? Especially not when it is roasted and covered in cocoa + sea salt. Instead of getting wanna be ‘healthy’ snacks from the vending machine – make a big batch of Roasted Almonds with Cocoa and carry it with you during your class, work, pre workout, or just simply munch on it.

Pro tip: I have found that storing them in the refrigerator keeps them crunchy…and same goes for granola. I don’t know if it is just coincidental but it stayed fresh and crunchy when stored inside an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator.

Roasted Almonds with Cocoa

Author: Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
Makes : about 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole, raw almonds
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup/agave nectar/honey (use whatever liquid sweetener you prefer)
• 3 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and line it with parchment paper (or use silpat)
2. In a bowl, combine almonds, liquid sweetener, cocoa powder and mix everything together until almonds are well covered.
3. Spread almonds on a baking sheet, sprinkle sea salt over it and bake it for 10-12 minutes, stirring it every 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let it cool down for few minutes and enjoy.
5. Keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for better texture.

Notes

Alternatively, I have seen recipes that mixes coca powder at the end…if you want to take that route, do not mix cocoa in the initial process. You add cocoa only once you remove almond from the oven immediately and allow it to cool down.

If you are into snacking, here are few other sweet + savory inspirations.

Chocolate Date Bites

Stovetop Popcorn

Cranberry Almond Granola

Smashed Chickpeas & Avocado

Quinoa, Chocolate Chips, and Banana Cookies

Savory Yogurt Parfait