Almonds are a healthy, nutrient-rich nut that can be used to add texture and flavor to a variety of recipes. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They can be eaten plain as a snack, added to salads, sprinkled over ice cream or baked into cakes and cookies.
How to Make Almonds
There are a few ways to prepare almonds, but one of the easiest is to roast them in the oven. This process adds a deliciously sweet and savory flavor to the nuts.
Roasting the almonds before chopping or grinding them will help to retain more of their natural nutrients and make the finished product a little smoother than if you just use raw almonds.
You can find roasted almonds at many grocery stores, but you can also make them at home by following a few simple steps.
1. Soak the Almonds to Soften them
You should soak your almonds at least 8 hours before chopping or grinding them to help soften them up and neutralize any enzymes that may be present in the nuts.
2. Rinse the Almonds with Water After Soaking
You’ll need to rinse your almonds thoroughly before chopping or grinding them. This helps to remove any excess water that may have accumulated during soaking and allows the nuts to dry out faster after chopping or grinding them.
3. Grind Almonds in a Food Processor or Seed Grinder
You can use a regular blender or food processor to grind your almonds, but you will need to work fast to get them to a fine powder. Be sure to stop the blender or processor and shake it often to avoid clumps and to make sure you’re getting a nice fine powder.
4. Blend Almond Meal in a High-Speed Blender or Food Processor
To make homemade almond meal, place raw almonds (with their skins on) into a blender or food processor. Turn it on to the highest setting and blitz until you have a fine, powdery flour. Shake it from time to time and make sure there are no clumps of flour or almond butter on the sides of the blades. If there are any, blitz again until the flour is fine and powdery.
5. Store the Almond Meal in an Airtight Container
Once you’ve made your homemade almond meal, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or in the freezer for up to a year.
6. Make Homemade Almond Milk
You can easily make your own almond milk at home by adding soaked raw almonds and water to a high-speed blender or food processor. You can then mix in any add-ins of your choosing (such as chocolate chips or berries) to create the perfect almond milk. You can even add a little vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor!
