Almonds are a delicious, versatile snack packed with nutrients and healthy fats. You can amp up their rich flavor in many ways, but one of the easiest methods is by lightly roasting them. The process is straightforward, but can completely change your tasting experience. Just a few minutes of heat will deepen the color of almonds, enhance their aroma and crunchy texture, and elevate their nutty flavor.
There are two main ways of roasting nuts at home: Dry roasting and oil roasting. The first method involves heating the nuts without any added fat, while the second involves tossing them in a little cooking oil first. Oil roasting can take less time and lead to a crispier finished product, but the nuts may absorb some of the flavor of the oil, so a neutral oil or almond oil is recommended.
If you want to try oil-roasted nuts, which work especially well for salads, simply drizzle a small teaspoon of oil over a tray of almonds, toss to coat, and bake them at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to skip the oil and dry roast, lay the almonds in a single layer on a tray and bake at the same temperature, and be sure to check them frequently as they cook quickly.
Spice up your seasonings
You’ll know the almonds are done when their color has darkened and a fragrant aroma has filled the kitchen. As they heat up, the almonds will lose moisture and dry out, so you may hear some crackling too. Slivered and flaked almonds will cook faster, so reduce the baking time when using these. Once the nuts are done, take them out of the oven and remove them from the baking tray to prevent overcooking. Store in an airtight container, where they should stay fresh for up to 18 months if oil-roasted and 24 months if dry-roasted.
Roasted almonds taste delicious on their own or as a topping for salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. You can also toss the almonds with a variety of seasonings before roasting them. Try adding sea salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, garlic powder, or chili powder for a savory twist. For a sweeter touch, coat the almonds in sugar and cinnamon or drizzle of honey. Almonds can also be toasted on the stovetop by stirring them in a skillet for about five minutes, and they taste great when cooked this way with a little butter and sugar.
Whichever method you choose, roasting almonds is a great way to unlock their full flavor potential. Whether you’re snacking on them solo or using them as a flavorful topping, you’ll taste the difference and be roasting your own nuts like a pro in no time.
