Recipes With Almonds

Deliciously healthy almonds

Almonds are actually the seeds that come from the almond tree. A Middle Eastern nut, these delicate seeds are shaped like teardrops and have a rough brown shell which is also edible. Almonds have been around for years, and it is thanks to their unique taste, texture and flavor that they make great snacks as well as a good ingredient for a number of recipes.

Almonds are said to have been around for many thousands of years, perhaps since around 1400 BC. By 100 AD, the Romans threw almonds over newly married couples as an old form of confetti as a fertility symbol.

Grown in Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Israel around 600 AD, the trees have since been moved all around the world and nowadays the biggest cultivation of almonds is in California, USA.

 Nutritional Benefits of Almonds

• Almond nuts are high in fat, but are a good snack to have when losing weight and having a little ‘good’ fat in your diet is better for you than none at all!
• They are full of vitamin E which is good for looking after your heart and can reduce the risk of heart attacks.
• Almonds are high in phosphorus and therefore promote healthy teeth and bones.
• They can lower cholesterol and also keep insulin in your blood level as well.
• They are rich in protein which aids weight loss, keeps muscles strong and also help with muscle recovery.

You don’t have to just eat almonds raw; there are many ways that you can use almonds in cooking. For example, you might like to try tossing them in salads, adding them to stir fries, mincing and blending them into sauces, or even making your own pesto etc.

How to Roast Almonds

Roasting almonds is a popular way of preparing this delicious nut and can be done very easily. You will need:

• 1 pound whole raw almonds
• 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

1. Spread the almonds out in two 9 x 13 inch baking dishes.
2. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, until a nutty scent fills your kitchen.
3. Remove almond from oven and sprinkle with salt.
4. Cool for 1 hour and then serve.

Easy Recipes Using Almonds

There are many meals that use almonds either as a main ingredient, side dish or even a garnish, and by putting this lovely type of nut into your cooking you will not only benefit from its many health advantages but you can also make your meals much more exciting with new flavors and textures. All of the following recipes are available on Recipe Bridge:

Savory

• Lemon Almond Biryani
• Green Beans with Toasted Garlic and Almonds
• Quinoa Salad with Chicken, Grapes and Almonds
• Almond Crusted Goats Cheese over Mixed Greens

Sweet

• Honey Almond Ice Cream
• Chinese Almond Cookies
• Orange Almond and Poppy Seed Cakes
• Raspberry Almond Trifle

Find these and more almond recipes on Recipebridge.