One of the big challenges when eating healthy is coming up with snack options that aren't processed and full of refined sugars. One of my guilty pleasures is definitely salty crisps and once I have one I am totally hooked and cannot stop eating them. This is why I usually just avoid them in the first place as I am well aware of my lack of self-control when it comes to these salty snacks. Even when I do eat them I don't stress too much, probably because, they aren't a sugary snack. However, as I continue to refine and improve my diet, I have decided to make a real effort to avoid processed crisps much more and to turn to healthier snacks instead.
I am not sure I will be able to totally give up my guilty pleasure, but I am certaintly going to put renewed effort into coming up with other snack options. I am starting with these delicious salted almonds. I have come to think that it's not so much crisps I crave, but rather the salty flavour. Therefore a really good option to replace processed crisps are these salted almonds. I also added some chilli flakes for some heat but this is totally optional. I was in Lisbon and Spain recently and for both trips I made a batch of these salted almonds and brought them with me for snacks on the plane and for something to munch on with a glass of wine (I know, guilty pleasure number two).
Ingredients:
1 cup of almonds
1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of chilli flakes
Method:
1. Put the almonds on a baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes at gas mark 4 / 180 degrees celsius. Shake the tray half way through.
2. Put the almonds in a bowl and add the oil, salt and chilli and toss well to coat the nuts. Leave aside to cool and then enjoy.
P.S. Adjust the sea salt and chilli flakes to suit your own personal taste.
