Are you looking to add a delicious nutty twist to your favorite dishes? Ground almonds are incredibly versatile, offering a subtle sweetness and a wonderful texture to both sweet and savory creations. Forget bland meals – let's explore the amazing world of ground almond recipes! From quick dinner ideas to decadent desserts, these easy recipes will elevate your homemade cooking to a whole new level. Get ready to discover the best recipes using this delightful ingredient.
Why Choose Ground Almonds?
Ground almonds, also known as almond flour, are a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat flour. They're naturally gluten-free, adding a delightful nutty flavor and a slightly moist texture to baked goods. Beyond baking, ground almonds bring a unique richness to savory dishes, thickening sauces and adding a satisfying crunch to coatings. They're a healthy meal option too, packed with fiber and healthy fats.
Lemon & Almond Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
This healthy meal is a perfect example of how easily ground almonds can transform a simple dish. It's quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb assorted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers), chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground almonds, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the almond mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Almond Flour Brownies – Decadence Redefined!
These delicious brownies are a testament to the versatility of ground almonds in baking. They're fudgy, rich, and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (140g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) ground almonds
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the ground almonds, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips (optional).
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cooking Tip: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for the best texture.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Savory Dishes: Use ground almonds to thicken sauces, coat meats, or add crunch to salads.
- Sweet Treats: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint in your almond flour baked goods. Add dried fruits or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Flour Substitutions: While ground almonds work best, you can partially substitute them with other nut flours like hazelnut or coconut flour in some recipes, adjusting liquid accordingly.
These are just a few of the many amazing ways you can use ground almonds. Their unique flavor and texture make them a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire. Start experimenting today and discover your new favorite delicious dishes!