With large almond groves located among the plains of Lecce, the sweet nut is a staple in Pugliese cooking. While a naked almond is an excellent snack, roasting them to adds a huge depth of flavor. This kid-friendly recipe creates a sweet treat loaded with vitamins and minerals (don’t worry, we won’t tell if you won’t tell). So, introduce your children to Puglia’s Cuisine and prepare the perfect Roasted Almonds following these simple steps.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients
1 egg white
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 teaspoon cold water
4 cups whole almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Procedure
To prepare the perfect Roasted Almonds, first preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Next, you’ll want to beat an egg white and water together until the mixture becomes frothy but not stiff. Once that’s done, pour in your desired nuts and stir them around until they are evenly coated. Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. After mixing, sprinkle the mixture over the nuts and toss them around until they are coated. Finally, spread the nuts out in one layer on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes, or until they become a lovely golden color. Once the nuts have cooled, be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Sidebar: When in Puglia…
If you want an intimate look at the region’s culinary world, sign up for a class at The Awaiting Table in Lecce. Owner-director Silvestro Silvestori teaches regional Pugliese cooking during his day or weeklong classes. You’ll take trips through the local markets, learn about the history of the cuisine and receive hands-on culinary training. Classes are either taught in the city or at “The Castle” (yes, a castle) about two hours south. The castle courses are meant to take you deeper into the history of Pugliese cooking by introducing you to the local butcher, burrata maker and olive oil producers. In addition these cooking classes, the school also offers an olive program that teaches “food-loving visitors more about the olive, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and the culture and cuisine that produce them.”
Visit www.awaitingtable.com for more information.
