How to Roast Almonds

Almonds are delicately flavored and versatile. They are thankfully available all through the year. You will be able to find packaged almonds all through the year, the fresh lot of almonds arrive in mid-summer. Hence, it is best to buy them in summer and then roast them at home. Here are the methods you can use to roast almonds.

How to Roast Almonds ...

... in Oven
Roasting almonds is easy. I often use the oven for the same. The ingredients, you will require for this recipe are as listed below.

Ingredients

• Raw Shelled Almonds
• Cookie Sheet or Baking Pan
• Aluminum Foil
• Salt

Method

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while the oven is heating up cover the cookie sheet or baking pan with aluminum foil.
• Arrange and spread the almonds over the foil in a single layer.
• Bake the almonds for about 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• When the timer rings, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and carefully pull the corners of the foil into a pouch and place the pouch on a cool surface. This should be done to ensure, the nuts do not get burned, due to the heat in the pan.
• Salt the almonds as per taste and let them cool for about 15 to 20 minutes, before you store them in an air tight container.

... in Microwave
Now we will see, how to roast the almonds in the microwave.

• In a microwave pan, place about ½ a cup of almonds.
• Add 1 tablespoon or margarine or butter to the pan.
• Microwave on medium to medium - low for about 4 to 5 minutes. I will recommend, you use medium for the first one 2 minutes and then reduce the heat to medium - low and let the almonds roast.
• However, make sure, you keep stirring them every minute, lest there are chances of you burning the almonds.

... on Stove
If you do not want to roast the almonds, either in the microwave or in the oven, fret not, you can also roast them on the stove. Let's see how can we roast the almonds on the stove.

• You will need a flat based frying pan to roast the almonds on a stove. I will recommend a non-stick frying pan.
• Add only those many almonds to the pan such that the almonds are lined in a single layer.
• Turn the heat on to medium to medium low and let the almonds roast.
• While the almonds are roasting keep stirring once in a while.
• Once you notice the skin of the almonds slightly start to crackle and the nuts are releasing a fragrance, you can turn the heat off.
• Remove the almonds in a plate and let it cool.

Now that you know, how to roast almonds, would you not want to read about some almond facts? The almonds were brought to the Mediterranean region, by the people, who traveled through the Silk Route, which ran between Asia and the Mediterranean region. Almonds are now grown in Spain, Italy, Morocco, Greece and Israel. Almonds were considered to be a fertility charm by the Romans, hence they were showered on the newly weds during the nuptial ceremonies. Almonds made their way to the United States through the Spaniards way back in the 1700's. They are helpful in protecting the heart and are also helpful for people suffering from diabetes. Contrary to the belief, almonds also help in weight loss. I would recommend the use of the dry roasting method as opposed to using any sort of fat addition. Are you still there or have you already started roasting the almonds to make a nice crunchy snack?