Saffron + almonds: A dessert combo you'll love
What's the story
Saffron and almonds are two ingredients that can take the flavor of any dessert a notch higher. Popular for their unique aroma and taste, these ingredients have been used in cuisines across the globe. Together, saffron's subtle floral notes bring out the nutty richness of almonds, making for a perfect blend that adds magic to traditional and modern desserts alike. Here's how to use saffron and almonds for aromatic desserts, every time.
Infusion
Infuse saffron in milk or water
To extract maximum flavor from saffron, it is best to infuse it in warm milk or water, before adding it to your dessert. Soak a few strands of saffron in two tablespoons of warm liquid for about ten minutes. The process releases the color and the aroma, ensuring even distribution throughout your dish. The infused liquid can then be added to puddings, cakes or rice-based desserts.
Almond paste
Use almond paste for richness
Almond paste lends a rich texture to desserts while elevating their flavor profile. To prepare almond paste at home, blend blanched almonds with sugar till smooth. This paste can be added to cookies, pastries, or used as a filling for tarts. The natural oils in almonds lend moisture and depth of flavor without dominating the rest of the ingredients.
Garnishing
Garnish with sliced almonds
Sliced almonds give a delightful crunch when added as a garnish on desserts, be it cakes or puddings. Lightly toast them before sprinkling over your dish to bring out their nutty flavor even more. They add not just texture but also an appealing visual element that makes any dessert more inviting.
Flavor balance
Balance flavors with sweeteners
When using saffron and almonds together, remember to balance their flavors with appropriate sweeteners like honey or sugar syrup. These sweeteners help mellow out the strong notes of saffron while complementing the nuttiness of almonds. Adjusting sweetness levels ensures that neither ingredient overwhelms the other, but instead works together harmoniously within your dessert creation.