How to Blanche Almonds

Blanched almonds have their almonds skins removed. You can buy them at the grocery store in little bags or you can make them at home. If you have more time than money, follow these simple steps to blanch your own almonds.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Skin-on almonds
• Medium saucepan
• Water
• Stove top
• Paper towels
• Olive oil
• Heavy bottom frying pan
• Sea salt

1. Buy almonds with skins on at your local grocery store. Shop at a Whole Foods Market or other shop specializing in organic or health foods to find organic almonds.

2. Fill a medium saucepan half full of water and bring to a boil. Slide the skin-on almonds into the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Drain.

3. Grasp the warm almond between your thumb and forefinger and slide the skin off the almond from the wide end of nut.

4. Pat almonds dry and store for up to one week in the fridge.

5. Take the blanched almonds one step further and toast them. Pour one tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottom frying pan and place dry blanched almonds in the pan. Move around the pan continuously for about 10 minutes until almonds smell toasty and are slightly browned. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase blanched almonds in the bulk section of your grocery store. They will be more expensive than almonds with skins on.

• Due to the oil in the almonds, they will burn very quickly in the frying pan if left unattended. Keep a close watch on the almonds if you decide to toast your blanched almonds.

Resources

• Information on blanched almonds