Thursday, January 12, 2012

Tapas-Style Spice-Roasted Almonds


From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I almost always have a batch of these savory almonds in the pantry. I actually prefer them to the sweeter version I featured here several weeks ago and I think they are a wonderful, no fuss, addition to a cheese board. They are fashioned after the spiced almonds that are typically served as part of a Spanish tapas. There are hundreds of recipes for roasted nuts on the internet, so I am uncomfortable claiming that mine is original. I'm equally uncomfortable attributing this version to another source because the ingredients used here are to my taste and that of the Silver Fox. Almonds have been part of tapas menus for decades and roasted nuts have been part of bar menus since they were popularized at The Union Square Cafe here in the United States. To resolve the issue of attribution, I'm going to credit the tapas bars, or Spanish tasca, with initiating the service of nuts with drinks, and then give a nod to Union Square for making them more widely popular. I really think you'll love these. I use less butter and oil than called for in most recipes, and I try to moderate the heat by cutting back on the amount of cayenne pepper that is used. That makes for a snack that is neither greasy nor fiery hot and will appeal to a larger audience. In Spain, almonds are blanched and skinned before roasting. I haven't found that extra step makes a significant difference in the finished nuts, so I've eliminated it. I do hope you will give this recipe a try. It is one that can be easily modified to suit your taste. Here's how tapas-style almonds are made.

Tapas-Style Spice-Roasted Almonds...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika (pimenton)
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups whole almonds
Coarse salt to taste

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2) Combine butter, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin , and cayenne in a bowl and mix well. Add almonds and toss to coat.
3) Turn almonds onto a cookie sheet and roast in a single layer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and salt to taste. Allow to cool before transferring to a bowl or plate for serving. Almonds can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks in an air-tight container. Yield: 2 cups.









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31 comments :

David said...

Mary, I love roasted almonds...and this spice roasted recipe sounds terrific! Thanks and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Angie's Recipes said...

I am a nut lover ;-) those roasted almonds look wonderful!

Ginny Hartzler said...

These would make such a lovely gift in a pretty jar. And almonds are so good for your health.

Unknown said...

I love roasted almonds and usually just roast them up plain and simple. I am definitely going to whip up a batch of these as it's always nice to have some variety.

Reva said...

I love tapas and this is new to the list...
Wonderful accompaniment for an informal dinner..:))
Reva

Ellen Whyte said...

That's interesting! I though roast almonds were just, well, plain roast almonds! This sounds fun.

Diane said...

Mmmmm just my taste. Diane

Cloudia said...

see, lessons like this are the building blocks we need to become our own cooks!



Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

> < } } ( ° >

Priya Suresh said...

Feel like munching some.

Kavi said...

Thank you for your lovely comment, Mary :) Coming from you, that's really something! I love your blog and look up to it! :)

Kim said...

I really like to nibble on roasted almonds. I love the mix of spices and seasonning you used. I shall try it!

Unknown said...

What's not to love about spiced roasted almonds? I can't believe I've never actually made them myself. Must remedy that!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

These would make great nibbles before and after dinner, hey wait I could nibble all day.

ShannonAnn said...

This recipe looks great. I often roast almonds in the morning and eat them with my eggs and salsa.
XO's

Tanna said...

Almonds are one of my most favorite foods and spicy is my favorite subtext. I'm going to LOVE these! Thank you, Mary. blessings ~ tanna

Rita said...

I have made these and they are so so good; I keep a container of these on the cupboard all the time.
Rita

From the Kitchen said...

Your sweet almond recipe replaced my own. I made them for a cheese tray during the holidays and they were a hit. So, I'm going to try these as well.

Best,
Bonnie

Lenia said...

They must be so tasty!!!xxx

Becka (The Elegant Eggplant) said...

Ahh yum! I love roasted almonds.. yours look fantastic!

Bites from life with the barking lot said...

Our family loves roasted nuts with a glass of wine before dinner and spicy is a good thing. I love your blog Mary, and I happily get lost in the spaces of one year ago, two years ago....I'm finding I have way too many dishes to try.

France@beyondthepeel said...

I love spiced nuts and I'm even happier that yours don't have any sugar. I'll try these out for some snacks but it's a great idea to include them on a cheese board too. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love spiced almonds and the spices you use are perfection!
mary x

Unknown said...

I agree great addition to a cheese board.

Joanne said...

I'm more of a sweets gal myself, but I think these would be better for snacking on...I might actually be able to exercise some portion control!

HGourmet Foodie said...

I love the savory version, simply delicious!!! Thanks for sharing it.

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, I just loved roasted nuts period! I like the spices used on these almonds. I am sure that you just can't stop eating them. Blessings, Catherine xo

Juliana said...

I want to try these almonds...I never made them savory, always sweet...they look perfect at anytime of the day.
Thanks for sharing this recipe Mary and hope you are having a great week :-)

Bunny said...

My husband will love these, he will sit and eat a bag of almonds in one setting!

chacha said...

Oh these almonds will be a huge hit here. The blend of spices sounds just perfect. Thank you Mary!

The Harried Cook said...

These would make a great gift for my dad & my husband... bookmarking this! Thank you, Mary!

Hendrik said...

That look very special, I really really love tapas !

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