Basic Almond Spread

Name: Basic Almond Spread
Ingredients: 1 cup whole almonds (unblanched) (250 mL); 2 cups water, divided (500 mL); 2 tbsp olive oil (25 mL); 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 25 mL); 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 tsp salt, optional (2 mL)

6 ingredients

9 steps

Ingredients

1 cup whole almonds (unblanched) (250 mL)
2 cups water, divided (500 mL)
2 tbsp olive oil (25 mL)
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 25 mL)
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt, optional (2 mL)

Directions

1

In a small bowl, mix almonds with 1 cup (250 mL) of the water.
2

Cover and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3

Drain and rinse almonds well.
4

Place remaining 1 cup (250 mL) of the water in a blender.
5

Add almonds, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt, if using, and process for 30 seconds or until mixture is smooth and creamy.
6

Taste and add more salt or lemon juice, if required.
7

Use right away or store, tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
8

Variation:
9

In Step 2 after processing, fold in 1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped toasted almonds.