What is almond slivers ? glossary, uses, recipes, benefits

In the Indian culinary landscape, almond slivers, commonly known as badam katran, are precisely thin cuts or finely minced pieces of almonds. These are typically prepared from blanched almonds, meaning their outer skins have been carefully removed, resulting in a pristine, creamy white hue. This specific presentation of almonds is highly valued in Indian cuisine for its subtle texture, gentle nutty essence, and its attractive contribution as a decorative element. Unlike whole almonds, these delicate slivers provide a nuanced crunch that elevates a dish without overpowering its primary flavors.

Across India, almond slivers find widespread application in both sweet and savory culinary creations. In the realm of desserts, they serve as an essential embellishment for a diverse range of treats, including various types of halwa (notably gajar ka halwa or badam halwa), kheer (rice pudding), burfi, gulab jamun, and shrikhand. Their refined appearance makes them a favored choice for garnishing festive sweets and traditional mithais, imparting both visual allure and a pleasing textural contrast. For savory preparations, they are incorporated into opulent Mughlai curries, regal biryanis, and even certain pulaos, where they lend a nutty richness and a delicate mouthfeel.

Beyond their significant roles in cooking, almond slivers come packed with numerous health advantages. As a derivative of almonds, they are a commendable source of beneficial fats, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and vital minerals such as magnesium and calcium. While the blanching process does remove the skin, which contains some antioxidants, almond slivers nonetheless remain a valuable contributor to a wholesome diet. The healthy fats present in almonds are conducive to cardiovascular wellness, and their fiber content assists in efficient digestion. Furthermore, vitamin E functions as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding cellular integrity from damage.

Almond slivers aren't exclusively reserved for elaborate culinary masterpieces; they also serve as a straightforward and wholesome addition to daily meals. They can be lightly toasted and sprinkled over salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or breakfast cereals to impart an extra layer of crunch and a nutritional boost. Additionally, they are frequently utilized in various baked goods like cookies and cakes to enhance their textural profile. Their adaptability, coupled with their inherent nutritional value, positions almond slivers as a cherished and indispensable component in Indian kitchens, spanning from everyday home cooking to sophisticated professional confectionery.

Also known as:

Slivered almonds

Roasted almond slivers

Almonds can either be roasted first or then slivered or vice versa. But slicing first helps as after roasting, it becomes little difficult to slice them. Using a paring knife, cut it lengthwise into several small sticks.

How to Select almond slivers

You can buy slivered almonds in the baking supplies section of most supermarkets. But its easier to make at home, for which use a good quality of almonds.

Culinary Uses of almond slivers

• Sweet almond slivers grace the top of many cakes or garnish a platter of sweet dish.

• Chocolate Icing and Almond Slivers are amazing together.

• Almond Slivers can be caramelized or coated with honey, further can be added to use as topping for ice cream, with yogurt, in a salad or to make your own trail or granola mix. Make delicious nutty brittle and relish it.

• For stir-fries and grain dishes, this form holds its shape without breaking, to give some nice crunch and flavor.

• For one-pan meal preparation, try roasting slivered blanched almonds in a dry wok. Then dump them into a saucer, and stir-fry some vegetables and sauce in the wok.

• Try slivered blanched almonds in a rice or in couscous, with small-diced zucchini, red bell pepper and feta cheese.

• If the spirit moves you once in a while, indulge in a hot fudge sundae. Top it off with a generous amount of toasted slivered almonds

How to Store almond slivers

It is best stored in an air tight container, up to 3 months. Avoid exposure to moisture an air to retain its crispiness.