How to Toast Almonds: 3 Ways to Toast Almonds

Almonds are oblong, dark-brown tree nuts that grow on fruit trees called almond trees, scientifically known as Prunus dulcis. Almonds grow inside cream-colored shells covered by a gray-green, fuzzy hull. When the fruit (the nut itself) ripens, the hull splits, and the shell drops to the ground.

Almonds are a great source of healthy fats (also known as monounsaturated fats). They are also high in magnesium, manganese, calcium, vitamin E, and potassium.

Here are the three most popular methods for toasting almonds:

1. 1. In the microwave: Toast small quantities of almonds in the microwave. Lay the almonds in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Toss the almonds in a little olive oil or melted butter to help them roast. Microwave the almonds for a minute, then stir and return them to the appliance for another minute. Continue this process until the almonds have reached a golden-brown color with a toasty smell. The total time may vary depending on your microwave.
2. 2. In the oven: Lay your almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven. This method heats your almonds evenly and requires little oversight. Sprinkle in seasonings, like sea salt or cinnamon, to give your almonds extra flavor.
3. 3. On the stovetop: You can easily toast almonds in a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. When using this method, use a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon to stir the almonds every minute to prevent them from burning. Your almonds should reach the desired golden-brown hue after two to three minutes. Stovetop toasting is the best method for cooking slivered or sliced almonds as well as pecans and pine nuts.

The best method for toasting raw almonds is in the oven. Follow this simple DIY technique for oven-roasting almonds.

• Preheat the oven. Set one of the shelves in the center of the oven, then preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Lay the nuts on a baking sheet. Next, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place the whole almonds onto it in an even layer.
• Toast for up to ten minutes. Place the baking sheet in the oven with the oven door slightly open. The cook time should range from five to ten minutes. Keep an eye on the almonds and stir them in the pan using a wooden spoon every few minutes. When the almonds have reached your desired level of doneness (they should be golden brown with a warm, nutty aroma), take the pan from the oven and leave them to cool at room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container. Once your almonds have cooled, store them in an airtight container in your pantry if you don’t want to use them immediately.

Incorporate toasted almonds into various dishes to enhance their crunch and flavor and add a bit of healthy fat. Here are five easy ways to use toasted almonds:

• Almond butter: Blitz toasted almonds in a food processor with maple syrup, coconut oil, or honey to make homemade almond butter.
• Baking: Add toasted almonds to cakes, nut loaves, muffins, and cookies for some decadent crunch and savory flavor. You can also blitz toasted almonds in a food processor to make an almond meal (perfect for gluten-free baking) or chop them up and add them to cake batter.
• Cereals: Toasted almonds are an excellent addition to healthy breakfast foods and snacks like granola and oatmeal. You can also add them to Bircher muesli along with some yogurt or cream and honey.
• Salads: You can add toasted almonds into many tasty green salads for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Sandwiches: Chop up some toasted almonds and add them to sandwich fillings, such as chicken salad, for extra taste and crunch.

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