Toasted Almonds - A Little Thing

Sometimes the addition of one little thing to a dish will make a huge difference in flavor.  You may have heard the term umami recently.  Umami is just a little ingredient or technique that provides greater depth of flavor or perhaps even a "meatiness." even when it is a meatless dish.  Umami is often what makes the difference between a good dish and a great dish.

So I'm going to write some Little Pieces about some Little Things that I do.
 

Toasted Almonds

Toasted Almonds is Little Thing that will make a big difference.  And it is simple, simple, simple!

I add this to the top of a dish after it is already plated.  These toasted almonds will give you nice changes in texture, and when you get a piece in a bite, you'll have a big boost of flavor.

I have used it to to top dishes that have a base of quinoa, rice, farro, or roasted zucchini.  These are just what I have tried so far.  I wouldn't use it on a dish that already has lots of very strong flavors.  It will be lost there.  I've used it on warm salad type concoctions that are meatless and I have used it in dishes where I've added some salmon.
Now, you are probably thinking that you can buy already roasted almonds or slivered almonds.  The slivered almonds are just not a big enough so don't waste your money there.

Here's what I do.

Preheat oven to 350.
Take some whole natural or raw almonds and put them on your cutting board.  With a chef's knife, carefully chop across the pile a few times.  You'll need to cover them with your hand a little so the pieces don't go flying into the floor.  The goal here is to have random big pieces. You're trying to get each almond cut about one time but not necessarily in half.  Think abstract  art and don't try to be perfect.

I put the pieces in a trusty black skillet, but you can just use any pan, and put it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes.  Keep a close eye out so they don't burn.  You'll know they're ready when you can smell  a little change.  Pull them out and that's it!

You can make extra and store in an airtight container for another meal if you want.