Mark Bittman

Spicy Fried Almonds

Preparation info
  • Makes 2 cups , enough for

    8

    as a snack
    • Difficulty

      Easy

    • Ready in

      10 min

Appears in
The Best Recipes in the World: More Than 1,000 International Dishes to Cook at Home
The Best Recipes in the World

By Mark Bittman

Published 2005

  • About

This is a standard at tapas bars in Spain and a perfect addition to any cocktail party. The salt will adhere to the nuts better if you grind it for a few moments in a food processor or spice or coffee grinder; this gives it a more irregular surface than it usually has.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or as needed
  • 2 cups whole almonds, with skins
  • 1

Method

  1. Coat the bottom of a wide saucepan with oil and turn the heat to medium-high. When it is hot but not smoking, add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, for just a few minutes, until they are toasted and browned lightly.
  2. Remove the almonds with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with cumin if you like, cayenne, and salt to taste. Serve a