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It happens that there comes a moment when nothing new comes to mind how to please the household. I want to cook something unusual and tasty. In order to somehow stimulate yourself, remember that you tried something interesting in a cafe or a guest. Exotic products come to mind. Almond flour can be attributed to those. With such raw materials, delicious desserts and dishes are obtained. Unusual flour can be prepared independently.
Properties and composition of almond flour
- The product is often called almond powder. Characteristics are determined by the fact that the powder has a very fine grinding. The product is obtained by grinding sweet nut kernels. To get high-quality flour, the kernels are necessarily cleaned from the skin. If this is not done, the grinding will be with a beige tint.
- Basically, almond powder is actively used in the culinary industry and confectionery. Flour is in demand among people who adhere to proper nutrition. The composition has a low indicator of the presence of carbohydrates. People who strive for an ideal figure often substitute classic wheat flour in pastries and other dishes with such a product.
- Regardless of the preparation methods, almond flour performs well as a thickener and the basis for the dough, as well as breading. It is worth noting that such a product is ideal for marzipan. Nut flour in combination with sugar syrup turns into an “ideal” plastic mass. From the edible “plasticine” various candies are obtained, the composition is malleable to sculpting various figures and similar decorations.
- Almond flour is great for macaroons. French hazelnut delicacies are now very popular in various public catering establishments. Also unique flour is great for baking various cakes, muffins, bread rolls and pies.
- With this focus, it is safe to say that almond powder can be useful in your kitchen anyway. Also, do not exclude the fact that the product contains a large number of valuable enzymes for the human body. In terms of useful properties and nutritional value, almond flour is an order of magnitude superior to wheat.
- Plus, everything else can be considered that in the flour retains all the beneficial properties of the nut. The product has a high protein content, valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber (slow carbohydrates) and complex amino acids. Premium wheat flour cannot boast a rich composition. Almond powder contains vitamins, minerals and carotene.
- Of course, you should not assume that a valuable chemical composition will make low-calorie and completely harmless dishes from various pastries due to only one nutmeal. But if you compare these products with other confectionery products, almonds should be preferred. You will feel light nutty notes when eating dishes. There is a quick saturation of the body, so you certainly will not be able to eat a lot.
Almond flour preparation technology
- You should warn that almond flour is not prepared as easily as professional pastry chefs or cooks can tell. If you have patience and carry out the manipulation carefully, there will be no problems with the creation of the powder. Before preparing the powder, it is also important to decide what you need it for. The preparation method will depend on this criterion.
- To get snow-white powder from a peeled nut, you should follow simple tips. This flour is more suitable for some cakes, biscuit dough or a gentle dessert.The downside is that the process of preparing such a powder is much longer. You have to clean each nucleolus from the shell.
- If you decide what you will cook, time to act. Put the nuts in a deep heat-resistant container. Pour in hot water (almost boiling water). Expect about 5-7 minutes. Drain and rinse the almonds with cold running water. For convenience, use a colander.
- Repeat the process with boiling water. The waiting time increases from 10 to 12 minutes. After a specified period of time, the skin itself will move away from the cores. Remove the shell. Unpeeled flour is used in most recipes, here the color of the composition does not play any role. Among them, you can highlight baking, chocolate, salads, etc. Therefore, almonds can simply be sorted out and get rid of damaged kernels.
- After cleaning, the nuts should be dried. Otherwise, after grinding, porridge will turn out. It is highly recommended not to be too lazy and put the almonds on parchment. After that, leave the nuts for a while in a well-ventilated place. Also, sunlight will not be amiss. The drying procedure will take at least 2 days.
- If you don’t really want to wait so long, the procedure can be significantly accelerated using the cunning method. Preheat the oven, the temperature should be 80-90 degrees. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Lay out the kernels in one layer. Each copy must be cut in two. Drying in an oven should take no more than a third of an hour.
- After the first 10 minutes, mix the raw materials. This can be done using a dry frying pan, but there is a risk that the nuts can be overcooked. After the correct procedure, cool the product. The use of a refrigerator is permitted. Send the prepared nuts to the blender bowl. The container should be filled no more than half. Set the power to an average level.
- Turn on the household appliance for literally 20 seconds. Tap the container to make the powder fall. Repeat for 30 seconds. Tap the bowl again. The flour is ready, it can be used for its intended purpose. To get exactly the powder, it is worth considering the option of grinding by means of a coffee grinder. A special approach is needed here, but the result will be worth it.
- Keep in mind that such a household appliance should not grind raw materials for a long time. Otherwise, hot blades turn dust into paste. The procedure is carried out in short series of no more than 20 seconds at a time. It is imperative to observe a break. If you do not want to take such a risk, it makes sense to consider the option of a food processor. An electric meat grinder will also work. Almonds will have to be passed through it several times.
- Keep in mind that nut flour is not recommended for future use; it is better to use it immediately for its intended purpose. Otherwise, the composition will lose valuable qualities, aroma and gather in lumps. Over time, oxidative processes begin, the flour deteriorates. In extreme cases, it is allowed to store the powder in a glass dry container with a sealed lid.
Almond flour is a peculiar product. The process of obtaining is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. Also, in extreme cases, the product can be stored for a long time if you pour the powder into a sealed container and place it in the freezer.
Video: how to make almond flour or powder
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