5 minutes
This quick and delightful Crispy Almond-Sesame Sprinkle is perfect for adding a nutty, zesty crunch to your favorite dishes.
Slivered Almonds, slivered
cups
Toasted Sesame Seeds, toasted
tablespoons
teaspoons
Lemon Zest, zested
teaspoons
1. Gather Ingredients
First, gather your ingredients: slivered or sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and lemon zest.
2. Combine Ingredients
Combine them all in your blender or food processor. The almonds provide a hearty base, the sesame seeds add a nutty flavor, the salt enhances the overall taste, and the lemon zest introduces a refreshing hint that brings the mixture to life.
3. Pulse Mixture
Next, pulse the mixture in short bursts until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This pulsing action ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed and that you achieve a uniform, crumbly texture. Keep an eye on it; you want tiny crumbs, not a paste. The mixture should look like fine breadcrumbs when it's ready, giving you a visual cue to stop blending.
4. Ready to Use
Once your sprinkle is perfectly pulsed, it's ready to use. This versatile topping can be sprinkled over salads, roasted vegetables, or even your morning yogurt. Its nutty, lemony crunch adds a delightful finishing touch to any dish, making each bite a little more exciting.
Use a combination of almonds, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds with a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and a hint of lemon zest. This would pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a Greek salad.
Use cashews instead of almonds, add cumin seeds alongside the sesame, and mix in some turmeric and garam masala for a warm, aromatic flavor. Use this to garnish a dal or a vegetable curry.
Swap sesame seeds for black sesame seeds, add crushed peanuts, and include a dash of chili flakes or a bit of Sichuan peppercorn for heat. This version would be excellent atop noodles or stir-fries.
Mix almonds with pistachios, stir in some coriander seeds, cumin, and coat with a bit of harissa paste before toasting. This variant would add a nice kick to couscous or tagines.
Combine almonds with pumpkin seeds and season with dried basil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This would be perfect for sprinkling on pastas or soups.
Select high-quality, raw almonds and uniformly colored, plump sesame seeds for the best results.
Toast separately to account for size differences and stir frequently to avoid burning. Aim for a golden color.
Begin with a conservative amount of salt and adjust to taste. It's easier to add more than to remove excess.
Use the sprinkle on a variety of dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or even baked goods for a savory twist.
Consistently sized almond pieces ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Use a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor.
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