#MediterraneanMonday - Almond Recipes

 

The Mediterranean diet is widely considered the cleanest, healthiest and most balanced in the world. Rather than relying on faddy trends and unsustainable eating habits, the Mediterranean approach relies on the quality of natural products, seasonality and the freshness of ingredients. It promotes health from the inside out.

Almonds 

Almonds are wonderfully natural Mediterranean ingredient. They contain lots of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as being rich in essential fatty acids. Given their healthful benefits, we've created a Mediterranean three-course meal with almonds. 

Starter: Almond, Lemon and Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

1/2 cup flaked almonds 

2 tbsp olive oil

extra-large yellow onion, peeled and diced

1 cup quinoa

1 1/4 cups water

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp lemon juice (zest the lemon before juicing it)

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 tsp lemon zest, or to taste

 

Method: 

1. To a large skillet or saucepan, add the olive oil, onions, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened and just begun to barely brown, about 7 minutes.

2. Add the quinoa and stir it into the onions and let it toast for about 30 seconds.

3. Add the water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice (zest the lemon before juicing it), salt, pepper, reduce the heat to low, cover pan, and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed. While it’s cooking, chop the remaining ingredients.

4. Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl and add the sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, almonds, lemon zest, and stir to combine.

Dish can be served warm and immediately or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Main : Almond Pesto -  Pesto alla Trapanese  

 

Ingredients:

50g almonds

8 cherry tomatoes

50g seasoned pecorino 

1 garlic clove

handful of basil

oil

salt & pepper

 

Method:

1. Peel the almonds. Boil a pot of water, drop the almonds for 2/3 minutes and drain them.

2. Once cooled, peel them by pressing lightly with your fingers.

3. Prepare the tomatoes. Cut the bottoms  and dip them in boiling water for a minute. Peel and press them to remove any water and seeds. 

4. Put the tomatoes, basil, almonds, garlic and grated pecorino cheese in a blender - adding the oil, salt and pepper as you go along. 

Ready for your pasta!! 

 

Dessert:

Almond Granita 

Ingredients: 

200g whole almonds

1 cup icing sugar

2 - 3 tbsp sugar

2 cups almond milk (or regular milk), unsweetened

 

Ingredients:

300g finely crushed almonds

200-300g almond flakes

300g icing sugar

2 whisked egg whites

1/2 lemon zest

Method: 

1. Begin by whisking the egg whites until they are stiff enough to hold their shape. Then add the crushed almonds, icing sugar, and the lemon zest.

2. Mix everything in a mixer until it forms a thick, slightly sticky paste. No more liquid is required because the egg whites and the natural oil within the almonds help to bind everything together.

3. Shape the biscuits in whatever shape you like, ensuring they're not too thick.

4. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180C° for no longer than 10 minutes, until golden.

They taste best once you've allowed them to rest for 15-20 minutes.

 

In the same way that eating almonds promotes good health from the inside out, we also promote good skin from the outside in by applying Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Granules topically. The following products contain Sweet Almond Oil and Almond Granules: 

Almond Cleansing Milk

Almond Eye Cream

Almond Face Scrub