Charred Evergreen Nut Citrus (Printable)

A smoky mix of charred evergreens, toasted nuts, and zesty citrus delivering woodland-inspired flavors.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Evergreens & Aromatics

01 - 2 small sprigs fresh rosemary
02 - 2 small sprigs fresh edible pine (e.g., Eastern White Pine)
03 - 2 small sprigs fresh edible fir (e.g., Douglas Fir)
04 - 1 teaspoon lightly crushed juniper berries

→ Nuts & Seeds

05 - ½ cup raw almonds
06 - ½ cup raw hazelnuts
07 - ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

→ Citrus

08 - Zest of 1 orange
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Seasoning

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
13 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat.
02 - Rinse and pat dry fresh evergreen sprigs. Place them on the hot pan, turning for 30 to 60 seconds until lightly charred and aromatic. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add almonds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds to the pan. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
04 - Mix in olive oil, crushed juniper berries, and citrus zest to coat evenly.
05 - Return the charred evergreen sprigs to the pan for 30 seconds, tossing gently to release their scent.
06 - Remove from heat and discard the evergreen sprigs. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix thoroughly.
07 - Allow the mixture to cool slightly before serving as a snack or using as a garnish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms your kitchen into a forest cabin without leaving home.
  • One pan, minimal fuss, and you end up with something no one else is serving at dinner parties.
  • It works as a standalone snack or the perfect secret weapon for elevating cocktails.
02 -
  • Overcharring the evergreens even by 10 seconds turns them bitter and tastes like burnt wood instead of smoky woodland—trust the 30 to 60 second window.
  • Don't skip patting the evergreen sprigs completely dry, or the water will create steam and prevent that beautiful char from forming.
  • The mix will continue to crisp up as it cools, so pull it off heat when it seems just slightly softer than your ideal texture.
03 -
  • If you want a sweeter version, add a drizzle of warm maple syrup right after you remove it from the heat and stir gently so it coats everything lightly.
  • For a spicy twist that surprised even me, add a bigger pinch of chili flakes or a tiny touch of cayenne alongside the regular seasoning.

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