How to blanch almonds

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a baking frenzy, ready to whip up a delightful almond cake or some homemade almond butter, only to realize that you need blanched almonds? While some supermarkets carry them pre-blanched, there’s a certain satisfaction in preparing them yourself. Blanching almonds not only enhances their color and flavor but also makes them easier to chop and incorporate into your recipe. So, if you’re wondering how to achieve that perfect blanched almond, you’re in the right place!

To blanch almonds, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the almonds, and boil for about 1-2 minutes. Afterward, drain the almonds and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they are cool, the skins will easily slip off when you pinch them.

Blanching almonds is a straightforward process that only requires a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil–enough to adequately cover the almonds you’ll be blanching. For every cup of almonds, around 2-3 cups of water should suffice. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the raw almonds and allow them to simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the timer; too long in the hot water may alter their flavor and texture.

After the time has elapsed, swiftly remove the pot from the heat and strain the almonds through a colander. To prevent cooking any further, plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water. This “shock” will quickly cool them down and make it easier to handle. Let the almonds sit in the cold water for a minute or so, and then you’ll find that the skins have loosened. Gently squeeze each almond between your fingers, and the skins should pop right off.

Once you’ve removed all the skins, you can spread the blanched almonds on a paper towel to dry. They are now ready for your recipes or can be stored for later use. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or snacking, knowing how to blanch almonds opens up a world of culinary possibilities!