Inamona (makes a little over 1 tablespoon)

inamona

Inamona is a Hawaiian seasoning typically made from kukui nuts (or candlenuts) and salt. If you do not have access to candlenuts you may substitute with 4 salt-free macadamia nuts or cashew nuts.

Inamona (makes a little over 1 tablespoon)

Ingredients:

2 whole roasted candlenuts (kukui nuts), roughly chopped (about 1 Tbsp chopped)
1/2 tsp Hawaiian pink sea salt
1/4 tsp chili powder or cayenne powder
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 
 
Method:

Heat a small pan over medium-high heat. Add candlenuts, salt, chili powder, and black pepper. Roast by moving the contents around on a pan for about a minute. Avoid burning the nuts. Remove the contents and let everything cool completely before using.

roasted ccandlenuts (kukui nuts)

stages of candlenuts (kukui nuts)

Addendum:
My parents came for a visit and brought some home-made stuffed squid and sauteed shrimp. The squid were caught in Rhode Island by their friends. We dipped the squid and shrimp in the inamona. YUM!

my mother home-made stuffed squid and sauteed shrimp