Flavors That Go Well with Almonds
When it comes to culinary delights, discovering the perfect pairings is key to crafting memorable dishes. In gastronomy, almonds are a versatile ingredient renowned for their nutty richness. But what flavors go well with almonds, enhancing their taste and creating harmonious combinations?
Exploring this palette of compatible flavors can elevate your culinary repertoire to new heights. Whether whipping up a decadent dessert or crafting a savory masterpiece, understanding the art of pairing flavors with almonds can turn your dishes into culinary triumphs. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the world of flavors that harmonize beautifully with almonds, providing a guide to creating delectable and well-balanced dishes that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
Roasted almonds are a delicious and easy snack to make at home. You only need a little maple syrup, salt, and cayenne pepper. Almonds have a strong affinity with fruits and go particularly well with berries. Their tart juiciness complements their crunchiness. Try a bowl of berries and almonds or roasted almonds as a topping for chia pudding or a smoothie bowl.
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Salt and Pepper
Flavored almonds can be used to prepare delicious dishes that will impress. They are an excellent protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats source. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol. Almonds can also be seasoned with salt and pepper to make them taste different or even more flavorful.
The most basic way to season almonds is to simply sprinkle them with olive oil and unrefined salt and pepper. This simple mixture can be served on its own as a snack or added to other ingredients to create unique and delicious recipes.
Other flavor combinations that go well with almonds include chili powder, which adds a slight kick to the already healthy nuts. The spice’s mild heat is perfect for bringing out the natural sweetness of the nut, as well as its earthy tones.
Another popular savory pairing with almonds is lemon juice and rosemary, which can create a tasty snack or an elegant dessert dish. The tangy lemon juice complements the sweet herbs’ earthy notes, and together, they can provide a complex contrast of flavors that are both satisfying and enjoyable.
Chili Powder
Almonds go well with any type of spicy chili-based dish, but especially when they are seasoned with chili powder. Chili powder blends mild chili peppers, spices, garlic, and salt. It’s often used in Mexican and Southwestern dishes but is also delicious with almost anything. With its subtle heat and earthy undertones, is one of the unexpected but delightful flavors that go well with almonds, adding a spicy twist to this nutty treat.
A chili powder pinch can add some heat to a salad or soup. It is also an excellent topping for steamed or roasted vegetables, especially cauliflower and broccoli. This spice is also a great addition to stir-fried rice or vegetable-based pasta.
Chili powder’s chili flavor comes from the type of chili peppers that are ground into it and can be varied by the dirt, water, and climate where they grow. For example, New Mexico chili powder has a richer, smoky flavor than Cayenne chili powder.
To prepare spicy seasoned almonds, place raw almonds in a bowl and stir them with a tablespoon of chili powder and salt. Mix until the almonds are evenly coated and spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the almonds in a preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring them twice during roasting. After the almonds cool, they can be stored in an airtight container. The nuts will be slightly soft but hardened once cooled completely.
Cinnamon
A classic spice, cinnamon is perfect with almonds to give them a sweet, cozy taste. It’s also full of antioxidants, which are great for health. Cinnamon is made from the bark of a tree, and it comes in two varieties: cassia and Ceylon. Both types have similar benefits, but cassia is cheaper and easier to find in the grocery store.
When roasted, cinnamon almonds are crunchy and delicious. They make a great snack and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few weeks. They also make a great gift, especially during the holidays. You can wrap them in a glass jar with a ribbon or put them in a cellophane bag and tie it up.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F to prepare these nuts, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix sugar, salt, and cinnamon and toss the almonds until they are evenly coated. Then, spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 30 minutes. Make sure to stir them halfway through the cooking process. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Ginger
The flavor of ginger is so versatile that it’s not just reserved for holiday baking and ginger snaps. It also adds warmth to curries, zing to salad dressings, and gives drinks an extra oomph. It’s even a headlining ingredient in some cultures’ main dishes, like Indian chicken tikka masala or Chinese chow mein.
Ginger, with its zesty and warming notes, is another of the delightful flavors that go well with almonds, infusing a unique and compelling dimension to almond-based dishes and snacks.
When paired with almonds, the result is sweet and spicy. The nut is rich in vitamin E and magnesium, and the ginger gives it a healthy punch of energy and appetite-boosting fiber. You’ll need raw, unsalted almonds (you can get them at your grocery store), a bowl, and some seasonings to prepare this snack. This is a great snack to make ahead of time and have in the fridge or freezer to grab on the go, or it makes an excellent gift!
Preheat the oven to 350oF. Combine the dry spices and oil (or ghee if you’re not vegan) in a bowl. Add the almonds and coat them evenly with the spice mix. Spread them on a lined baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes. Stir them midway through the baking time so they brown evenly. When fragrant and a bit darker, take them out of the oven to cool. Enjoy!
Mint
In salads, mint can add a fresh and zesty flavor to dishes that also highlight almonds’ mild and sweet taste. Pairing mint with ginger, another spice that accentuates almond’s sweetness, can make for a delicious snack.
Adding a bit of heat can give the almonds a whole new dimension. Using spices such as cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika can create a more complex taste in the almonds while highlighting their neutral flavor. Alternatively, try adding a touch of cayenne pepper to the almonds. This spice has a unique burn and can really pop in the taste of the nuts.
Almonds are fairly versatile and can be combined with almost any ingredient or flavor. They can be eaten as a healthy snack or in baked goods and desserts. They are also an excellent complement to many beverages, from hot tea to sherry and brandy.
To keep your almonds tasting their best, buy shelled almonds that haven’t been roasted or blanched. They can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, and they will come with brown skin still on them. Avoid buying almonds sitting out too long in bulk bins; they may have gone rancid. Stored properly, shelled almonds can last for months. Keeping them in the refrigerator or freezer will prolong their shelf life and help ward off rancidity even further.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a warm spice that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Its woody sweetness and subtle nutty flavor make it a versatile addition to any dish, especially those with starchy ingredients or cream-based sauces. In savory dishes, it pairs exceptionally well with cheese and spinach. Its rich aroma will tantalize your senses. It also complements certain desserts and adds a cozy and comforting flavor profile.
It pairs well with cinnamon and ginger and is also a key ingredient in Middle Eastern spice blends like Ras el Hanout and Baharat. It is often added to kebabs, koftas, and other meat-based recipes as it is believed to enhance their flavors. It can also be found in many Middle Eastern desserts, such as baklava (a flaky pastry filled with nuts and sweet syrup) and Barbosa, a semolina cake soaked in rosewater syrup.
To get the most out of nutmeg, buying whole seeds and freshly grating them yourself using a microplane or rasp is best. It will retain its flavor better than ground nutmeg. However, if you cannot find whole nutmeg or don’t have the time to grate it yourself, it is perfectly fine to use powdered nutmeg. To celebrate National Snack Month and Almond Day, we are sharing this easy recipe for Roasted Cinnamon and Nutmeg Almonds! Enjoy this crunchy and good-for-you snack any time of the day.
