How to Make Almond Meal at Home: Simple Almond Meal Recipe

Almond meal is a type of nut flour made from ground almonds. It has a mild, nutty taste. Like almond butter and almond milk, almond meal is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and monounsaturated fats. It is an easy replacement for wheat flour to make recipes gluten free.

Almond meal and almond flour are both made by grinding almonds to a fine powder. At the grocery store, you might see bags labeled “almond flour” and “almond meal” that contain an identical product. Almond meal and almond flour can be used interchangeably, but there are two slight differences:

• Almond flour is made from blanched almonds. Some recipes identify almond flour as a type of flour made from blanched, skinless almonds. Almond flour is lighter and more uniform in color, but the flavor is the same as the speckled kind made from skin-on whole almonds.
• Almond meal may be more coarsely ground. Some recipes call for almond meal to indicate that the almonds should be more coarsely ground than flour. When it comes to homemade almond meal or flour, expect a slightly coarser consistency than store-bought almond flour.

You can use homemade almond flour in various sweet and savory applications, such as:

1. 1. Frangipane: This French almond cream is a traditional base for fruit tarts and pies. It is made from almond meal, butter, eggs, and sugar.
2. 2. Breading: Almond meal can be a grain-free substitute for breadcrumbs, and it can add texture and extra protein to breaded chicken tenders and meatballs.
3. 3. French macarons: Macarons are gluten-free almond meringue cookie sandwiches filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. Almond meal gives these treats their signature chew.
4. 4. Chocolate chip cookies: Swap part of the wheat flour in your favorite cookie recipe for almond meal for a nuttier, chewier cookie.
5. 5. Brownies: Nuts and chocolate are a classic combination. Add almond meal to brownie batter—or swap it with wheat flour—to make brownies that are more tender than cake-like.
6. 6. Quick breads: When combined with wheat flour, a small amount of almond meal will keep muffins and quick breads (like banana bread) tender and light while adding a touch of nuttiness.
7. 7. Pancakes and waffles: Almond meal is often used as part of a blend of gluten-free flours to make gluten-free versions of pancakes and waffles.
8. 8. Sauces: In India, finely ground almonds and cashews are commonly used to thicken sauces and gravies.