Making caramel walnuts in 5 minutes requires a quick and simple approach. Here’s a basic recipe for a speedy caramel walnut treat:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Walnuts:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts to the dry, hot pan. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- Make the Caramel:
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the melted butter.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and turns into a smooth caramel sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Coat the Walnuts:
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is caramelized, quickly add the toasted walnuts to the pan.
- Stir the walnuts to coat them evenly with the caramel. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the walnuts are well-coated.
- Season and Cool:
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the caramel.
- Optionally, stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Serve or Cool:
- Remove the caramelized walnuts from the heat and spread them out on a parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool.
- Break Apart:
- Once cooled, break apart any clumps of walnuts that may have stuck together.
- Enjoy:
- Your quick caramel walnuts are ready to be enjoyed as a snack or a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
Keep in mind that caramel can get extremely hot, so use caution while working with it. This quick recipe is designed for speed, but do be vigilant to prevent burning the caramel or the walnuts. Adjust the heat as needed and stir continuously to achieve a nice caramel coating on the walnuts.
