What To Know
- Whether you’re planning to roast them for a healthy snack, incorporate them into decadent desserts, or create homemade almond milk, blanching is the key to achieving a smooth, flavorful result.
- By removing the skin, the natural sweetness of the almond shines through, resulting in a more pronounced and enjoyable flavor.
- For a healthy and delicious snack, toss your blanched almonds with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until golden brown.
Are you ready to take your almond game to the next level? Blanching almonds is a simple yet transformative technique that unlocks their full potential. Whether you’re planning to roast them for a healthy snack, incorporate them into decadent desserts, or create homemade almond milk, blanching is the key to achieving a smooth, flavorful result. But how do you do it with your trusty Thermomix? This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, so you can effortlessly blanch almonds to perfection.
Why Blanch Almonds?
Before we dive into the Thermomix method, let’s understand why blanching almonds is so important.
- Skin Removal: The brown skin of almonds can be bitter and tough, impacting the overall flavor and texture of your dishes. Blanching removes this skin, leaving you with smooth, delicious almonds.
- Enhanced Flavor: By removing the skin, the natural sweetness of the almond shines through, resulting in a more pronounced and enjoyable flavor.
- Versatility: Blanched almonds are versatile, perfect for everything from baking and snacking to homemade nut butters and almond milk.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start, ensure you have the following:
- Almonds: Choose high-quality almonds, preferably raw and unsalted.
- Water: You’ll need enough water to cover the almonds.
- Ice Water: This is crucial for stopping the cooking process and making the skins easier to remove.
- Thermomix: Your trusty kitchen companion for effortless blanching.
- Colander: For draining the almonds after blanching.
- Kitchen Towel: To dry the almonds after blanching.
The Thermomix Blanching Method: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s get started with the blanching process:
1. Prepare the Almonds: Rinse the almonds thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris.
2. Fill the Thermomix: Add the almonds to the Thermomix bowl and cover them with water. Ensure the water level is at least 1 cm above the almonds.
3. Blanch the Almonds: Set the Thermomix to Reverse mode, Speed 1, and 90°C for 10 minutes. This gentle steaming process will loosen the skins.
4. Cool and Drain: Once the blanching time is complete, immediately transfer the almonds to a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This will stop the cooking process and make the skins easier to remove.
5. Ice Water Immersion: Place the almonds in a bowl filled with ice water for about 5 minutes. This will further loosen the skins and make them easier to peel.
6. Peel the Skins: Gently rub the almonds between your hands to remove the skins. Most of the skins should slip off easily. If any stubborn skins remain, you can use a small knife to help remove them.
7. Dry the Almonds: Pat the almonds dry with a kitchen towel.
Tips for Perfect Blanching
- Don’t Overcook: Blanching for too long can result in tough almonds. Stick to the recommended time.
- Use Fresh Almonds: Fresh almonds will blanch more easily and produce the best results.
- Patience is Key: Take your time peeling the skins. Don’t rush the process, as it can lead to broken almonds.
The Benefits of Using a Thermomix for Blanching
Using a Thermomix for blanching offers several advantages:
- Effortless Process: The Thermomix takes care of the entire blanching process, leaving you free to focus on other tasks.
- Even Cooking: The Thermomix’s heating system ensures even cooking, resulting in perfectly blanched almonds.
- Convenience: You can blanch a large batch of almonds in one go, making it ideal for baking or snacking.
Beyond Blanching: What to Do with Your Blanched Almonds
Now that you’ve mastered the art of blanching almonds, you’re ready to unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Roast them: For a healthy and delicious snack, toss your blanched almonds with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until golden brown.
- Make Almond Flour: Grind your blanched almonds into a fine flour for use in baking.
- Create Almond Milk: Blend blanched almonds with water to create creamy, homemade almond milk.
- Add them to Desserts: Incorporate blanched almonds into cookies, cakes, brownies, and other sweet treats.
The Final Word: Enjoy Your Perfect Almonds
Blanching almonds with your Thermomix is a simple and rewarding process that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Experiment with different flavors and recipes, and let your creativity shine.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I blanch almonds without a Thermomix?
A: Absolutely! You can blanch almonds using a pot on the stovetop. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the almonds, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Q: What if the almond skins don’t come off easily?
A: If the skins are stubborn, you can try soaking the almonds in hot water for a few more minutes before peeling.
Q: Can I use blanched almonds in place of raw almonds?
A: Yes, blanched almonds can be used in place of raw almonds in most recipes. However, keep in mind that blanched almonds may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: How long can I store blanched almonds?
A: Store blanched almonds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
