How to Blanch Almonds

Almonds are some of my favorite nuts, so let me show you how to blanch almonds.

Almonds are used a lot in Arab cooking as a garnish that also adds some crunch and flavor.

They are usually roasted in a little bit of olive oil until toasty and brown.

Blanched almonds are used even more frequently these days since pine nuts have become so expensive.

We have an almond tree growing in our back yard here in Amman which provided a few almonds last season.

She is still a baby tree but made an effort, and still she was able to provide us with Almonds.

I ate some of them green which is common to do here, after dipping them in salt.

(This was one of my favorite snacks as a kid, we used to eat mounds of these every year.

There was something so nice about eating what was in season in those days).

I left the others on the tree to the point where they dried, turned brown with a hard shell exterior.

That is the shell you break through when you are looking for almond inside, and they were lovely and sweet.

Raw almonds are delicious as is of course, but I do like roasted and salted almonds as well.

They are full of protein and packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, and can help regulate blood sugar.

You can substitute almond flour in a lot of recipes making them much healthier for you and your family.

Let’s get started and I’ll show you how to blanch almonds.

What are Blanched Almonds?

Blanched almonds are almonds that have their skins removed by placing them briefly in hot water.

If using almonds in cooking and you haven’t removed the skins first they can come off in the heat.

Having loose pieces of almond in your food can be a bit bitter and unsightly.

Raw blanched skinless almonds are also used to make almond flour.

Ground raw almonds with skins produce almond meal.

Blanched almonds will also toast more easily and will be more flavorful.

How to Blanch Almonds

Follow these steps when your recipe calls for blanched almonds.

This quick and easy method allows you to make your own blanched almonds.

You can buy blanched almonds but that is an expensive way to get them, it is much more cost effective to make them yourself.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the almonds to the hot water and boil for one minute.

Don’t overcook or your almonds could start to become soft.

Pour boiling water through a colander or strainer to drain the almonds.  

Place in cold water to cool, then pat almonds dry with a paper towel.

Gently squeeze the almonds between your thumb and forefinger and pop almond out of its skin.

Recipe note – use fresh raw almonds whenever you can.

How to Use Blanched Almonds

Almonds are used in making marzipan, macaroons, almond butter, almond flour.

They are also used in apple crumble topping to add a bit of a crunch.

Used as garnish for a lot of Middle Eastern foods.

Also blanched almonds are used as an ingredient in stuffing along with raisins and apple.

Slivered almonds are used in desserts, on tarts and even can be sprinkled on a chocolate roulade.

Make homemade power bars with almond, honey and chopped fruit.

Almond milk is an amazing alternative to regular milk if you want to limit dairy.

Also it is very good in power shakes, all you need to add is protein powder and ice.