Fried Almond Tapas Recipes

SPICED ALMONDS FOR THE TAPAS BAR

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Grind salt and paprika in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder till fine.
• Place almonds on cookie sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes.
• Pour into a glass bowl and toss in 1 tablespoon oil to coat using more if needed.
• Add seasonings stirring to coat.
• Serve at room temperature.

FRIED ALMOND TAPAS

Steps:

• 1. Over medium heat, in a small saute pan so the almonds are a bit crowded, pour a generous 1/4 cup of EVOO and the almonds.
• 2. Keep the almonds moving, constantly stirring them in the oil. It might seem like there is too much oil, but it's OK.
• 3. Keep frying the almonds, constantly stirring and mixing. They will start to sizzle in the oil, and this is what you want. After 5 or 6 minutes they should be a light golden color. (Once they begin to turn golden they go pretty fast. I had to adjust my heat to low so they wouldn't get too dark too fast.) Do not overcook as they can become bitter.
• 4. With a slotted spoon, transfer the almonds to a paper towel-lined tray and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Shake the tray to disperse the salt through the almonds.
• 5. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes and transfer to serving dish.

FRIED HERBED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add almonds, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Stir in thyme leaves. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet, and let cool completely. Almonds can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

SPANISH FRIED MARCONA ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Spread almonds on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, stirring once or twice until just beginning to color.
• Transfer to a plate and let cool 10 minute.
• Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the almonds for 2-3 minute.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel covered plate to drain and cool.
• Put the nuts in a bowl and add the thyme leaves and salt. Toss,.
• They keep up to 3 days if covered.

SPANISH SPICED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300*F.
• Warm the oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add paprika dn cumin, and stir 1 minute to mix and release flavors. Remove from heat when mixutre just begins to bubble. Move to a medium bowl, and stir in the almonds.
• Transfer almonds to parchment lined baking sheet, and bake 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle right away with salt, and move to wire rack. Let dry at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!