Blanching almonds by boiling them is a popular technique used worldwide, and for good reason—it’s a simple process that dramatically changes their texture and usability in cooking and baking. If you’ve never tried this method, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to remove the skins, revealing the smooth, white almonds beneath that are ideal for numerous culinary uses. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Why Blanch Almonds? Blanching almonds makes them softer and more digestible. It also gives them a cleaner, more aesthetic appearance which is perfect for making almond flour, almond butter, or for use in desserts where a smooth, uniform texture is desired.
Materials Needed:
- Raw almonds
- Water
- A pot for boiling
- A colander or strainer
- A bowl of ice water
Instructions:
- Boil Water:
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. You don’t need to salt the water as you would for cooking pasta.
- Prepare the Almonds:
- While the water is heating, measure out the amount of almonds you need. There’s no need to pre-soak them, as the boiling will soften the skins quickly.
- Blanch the Almonds:
- Once the water is boiling, add the almonds. Let them boil for about 60 seconds. Avoid boiling them for too long, as the almonds can start cooking inside, which might not be desirable depending on your intended use.
- Cooling Process:
- After 60 seconds, quickly remove the almonds using a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and cools them down quickly, making the skins easier to remove.
- Peel the Almonds:
- Once the almonds are cooled, take them out of the water. You should be able to easily pinch the almonds between your fingers to slip off the skins. The skins should come off without much resistance.
- Dry the Almonds:
- After peeling, lay the almonds out on a towel to dry. They should be completely dry if you plan to roast them or use them in further cooking.
Uses for Blanched Almonds:
- Snacking and Salads: Use them whole or sliced in salads for a soft, buttery texture.
- Desserts: Ground blanched almonds can be used to make finer, smoother almond flour that is perfect for baking cakes, cookies, and other pastries.
- Homemade Almond Milk: Blanched almonds blend more smoothly and produce a cleaner, less gritty almond milk.
Blanching almonds is a wonderful kitchen hack that broadens their use in various dishes, enhancing both their flavor and appearance. Try this method and see how versatile almonds can be in your culinary creations!
