Most of us have plenty of ideas for using whole or chopped almonds. Eat them whole. Bake them into treats. Scatter them over salads or green beans. But what about almond butter — toasted (and sometimes salted) almonds that have been ground to a peanut butter-like consistency?
If they are willing to try it at all, most people just crank out a few AB&J sandwiches, then lose inspiration and push the jar of almond butter to the back of the refrigerator.
Time to pull it forward because almond butter is easy to use in all sorts of delicious ways across numerous cuisines.
Let’s start with the basics. Almond butter is what it sounds like — ground almonds, usually with a bit of oil and salt added for texture and taste. It is not the same as almond paste or marzipan, both of which are made from finely ground almonds (but with a fair amount of sugar added) and used in baking.
The texture of almond butter is similar to peanut butter (they are jarred the same and sold alongside one another at the grocer), but differ in taste. Whereas peanut butter has a pronounced — stay with me here — peanut flavor, almond butter has a richer, creamier taste that is nutty, but (oddly) not distinctly almondy.
Nutritionally, they are similar. Two tablespoons of peanut butter have 188 calories and 16 grams of fat. Almond butter has 202 calories and 18 grams of fat.
There are numerous brands of almond butter, but it’s easy to make your own. Simply grind whole toasted almonds in the food processor until chunky-smooth. You may need a drizzle of canola oil to get the consistency you want. And consider using smoked or tamari almonds for an extra burst of flavor.
Whether you make it or buy it, almond butter can be substituted 1-for-1 in recipes that call for peanut butter. This opens up lots of possibilities.
For ideas for using almond butter, check out the Off the Beaten Aisle column over on Food Network: http://bit.ly/RsyFCM
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MOLE-STYLE PULLED PORK BUNS
This blend of Mexican mole sauce and pulled pork tenderloin makes for a crazy delicious sandwich. The filling also would be good tossed with warm noodles.
Start to finish: 45 minutes (25 minutes active)
Servings: 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 2-inch chunks
1/2 cup smooth almond butter
1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 shallot
1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup water
Salt
4 sesame seed burger buns
1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped
In a medium saucepan over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the pork and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Set the pan aside off the heat.
In a blender combine the almond butter, tomatoes, garlic, shallot, cocoa powder, cinnamon, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cloves and water. Puree until smooth, then add to the pork.
Bring the pork and sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pork to a large plate or cutting board, then use 2 forks to pull and shred it. Return the pork to the sauce and stir well. Season with salt.
Divide the pulled pork between the buns. Top with scallions.
Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 500 calories; 240 calories from fat (47 percent of total calories); 27 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 75 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 34 g protein; 3 g fiber; 450 mg sodium.
