Almond Garnish
A simple, quick way to add crunch and nutty flavor to Indian sweets and rice dishes. Slivered or chopped almonds, lightly toasted in ghee, bring a beautiful texture and aroma to any dish they top. A classic finishing touch for desserts and festive meals.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 3 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Almonds (Optional)
- b.If using whole raw almonds and you prefer slivered almonds, start by blanching them. Place almonds in a bowl and cover with boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- c.Drain the hot water and rinse with cold water. The skins should now slide off easily when pinched.
- d.Pat the blanched almonds completely dry with a paper towel, then thinly slice them into slivers. If you prefer, you can simply chop the raw, unblanched almonds.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Almonds in Ghee
- b.Place a small, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over low to medium-low heat. Add the ghee and allow it to melt completely.
- c.Once the ghee is hot and shimmering slightly, add the prepared almonds (slivered or chopped) to the pan.
- d.Stir continuously with a spatula to ensure the almonds are evenly coated in ghee.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté until Golden and Fragrant
- b.Continue to stir the almonds constantly for 2-3 minutes. This prevents them from burning.
- c.Watch them closely. They are ready when they turn a light golden brown and release a rich, nutty aroma.
- d.Be careful, as they can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Immediately remove the toasted almonds from the hot pan and spread them in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet to stop the cooking process.
- c.Let them cool completely. They will become crispier as they cool down.
- d.Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always toast nuts on low to medium-low heat to prevent them from burning on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- 2Do not walk away from the pan while toasting. Nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- 3For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pan which provides even heat distribution.
- 4Ensure almonds are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
- 5Removing the almonds from the hot pan immediately is crucial, as the residual heat will continue to cook and can burn them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Garnish
Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a few strands of saffron to the ghee along with the almonds for a more aromatic garnish, perfect for desserts like kheer or halwa.
Different NutsDifferent Nuts
This method works wonderfully with other nuts like cashews, pistachios, or walnuts. Adjust toasting time as needed, as different nuts cook at different rates.
Sweetened GarnishSweetened Garnish
For a sweet touch, you can toss the hot, toasted almonds with a teaspoon of powdered sugar immediately after removing them from the pan.
Savory GarnishSavory Garnish
For garnishing savory dishes like pulao or biryani, add a pinch of salt or a tiny bit of red chili powder to the almonds while toasting.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL), supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Almonds are a fantastic source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Source of Key Minerals
This garnish provides a good source of magnesium, which is essential for many bodily functions, including blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
One tablespoon (approx. 9g) of this Almond Garnish contains about 55-60 calories, primarily from the healthy fats in the almonds and ghee.