Today we would like to tell you about a very popular alternative flour: almond flour.
What is almond flour and how is it produced?
Almond flour is nothing but raw almonds, usually peeled and ground. A more or less fine flour or powder is obtained from this dried fruit. almond flour is increasingly used to replace wheat flour because it is gluten-free and has a high nutritional value.
Is almond flour the same as ground almonds?
No it is not. The ground almond is usually prepared with the peel, but the main difference is in the granulate that comes from it. Ground almonds are usually much coarser and are therefore less used in preparations where softness and air are sought. It can work well for the base of a cake or maybe for biscuits. We can come to notice the almond granules and although this may be interesting for some recipes, for many others a real almond flour will be better, or even an almond flour from the fine granules .
Can you make almond flour at home?
Yes, you can make it at home with a powerful blender or food processor. After grinding, it is recommended to pass through a fine sieve. But even so, it's hard to achieve the same finesse at home found in almond flour brands like NeoOlia , or its Whole Almond Flour.
The benefits
Almond flour has the same benefits as almonds:
- high content of vegetable proteins
- source of dietary fiber , which promotes digestion
- source of omega 3 and omega 6
- vitamin E : antioxidant
- it also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc.
Characteristics
Almond flour is low in carbohydrates . For this reason it is often used in recipes suitable for keto, low carb and paleo diets. Furthermore, it is naturally gluten-free (celiac sufferers should always check that it has the gluten-free seal to be eligible).
You also need to keep in mind that it's a flour that's high in calories, healthy fats, and fiber .
These two properties, i.e. the low carbohydrate content and the high fat content, mean that almond flour has a low glycemic index : this means that it does not produce insulin peaks.
How to use almond flour
Almond flour can be used in bread making, but also to prepare desserts, sauces, fresh pasta and much more.
In principle, it is used in the same proportion as normal flour, i.e. 1:1. But practice and use make us understand that, depending on the recipe, if we want to obtain excellent results, we may have to make some small changes:
- If we want more softness, we can add another egg to the dough and beat it very well with the sweetener, for example for muffins or sponge cakes.
- As for the fats in the recipe, it is sometimes necessary to decrease the amount of oil or butter, as we must remember that almonds already provide healthy fats. In this way we avoid a too greasy result.
- We can use a fine or extra fine almond flour to ensure that the dough is more airy, as is the case with bread or fine pastry.
- Another option is to combine different flours . We especially like to combine almond flour with hemp flour . You get a consistency very similar to the traditional one, with less fat and fewer carbohydrates, since hemp flour has almost no carbohydrates.
Recipe ideas
Here is a list of the best ways to use almond flour in your preparations:
Noodles
Add protein to your fresh pasta by replacing one-third of the flour with almond flour. Season with butter and Parmesan for a unique and nutritious meal.
Pancakes or pancakes
For a subtle nutty flavor, substitute a quarter of the almond flour for the type of flour you use for pancakes. Garnish with maple juice and fresh berries for the perfect breakfast.
Sandwiches
To boost the protein in your sandwiches, replace a quarter of the wheat flour with almond flour.
Breading
Use almond flour in place of breadcrumbs or flour to make a crust for fish or chicken fillets.
Conclusion
Almond flour is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in various sweet and savory recipes. It has a delicate flavor and a smooth texture that goes well with cakes, biscuits, bread and other preparations. Additionally, almond flour is high in protein, fiber, vitamin E and minerals, and has a low glycemic index. It's also a great alternative for those who are gluten intolerant or follow a vegan or paleo diet. Almond flour is therefore a product to discover and experiment in the kitchen, to enrich your menu with taste and well-being.