Making almond flour at home is relatively simple and requires only two ingredients: almonds and a food processor or high-speed blender. Here's how you can make almond flour:
Ingredients:
- Raw almonds
Instructions:
1. **Blanch the Almonds (Optional)**: Blanching almonds involves briefly boiling them in water to remove the skins. While this step is optional, it can result in a finer-textured almond flour. To blanch almonds, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the almonds, and let them boil for about 1 minute. Drain the almonds and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Once cooled, slip off the skins by gently pressing on each almond between your fingers.
2. **Dry the Almonds (Optional)**: If you blanched the almonds, you'll want to dry them thoroughly before proceeding. Spread the blanched almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and let them air dry for several hours or overnight. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) for about 1-2 hours until completely dry.
3. **Grind the Almonds**: Once the almonds are blanched and dried (if applicable), it's time to grind them into flour. Place the almonds in a food processor or high-speed blender. If you have a large batch of almonds, you may need to grind them in smaller batches to ensure even grinding.
4. **Pulse or Blend**: Pulse or blend the almonds until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. Depending on your equipment, this may take a few minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender jar as needed to ensure uniform grinding.
5. **Sift (Optional)**: If you prefer a finer almond flour, you can sift it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces or almond skins that may not have been fully ground.
6. **Store**: Transfer the almond flour to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store it in a cool, dry place, such as the pantry or refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for several weeks to a few months.
That's it! Homemade almond flour is ready to use in your favorite recipes, such as gluten-free baked goods, pancakes, and more. Enjoy the nutty flavor and nutritional benefits of freshly ground almond flour in your cooking and baking endeavors.