German Roasted Almonds | Gebrannte Mandeln
Christmas time is always beautiful and magical, and Germany takes this whole experience to another level with its Christmas Markets. These Christmas markets are an essential part of the season for Germans. Ever since I’ve moved to Germany, I’ve absolutely loved visiting these beautiful Christmas markets. This year too was no different. As soon as the markets opened, I was already there, sipping on some Glühwein, taking in the sights, the sounds, the taste and the smell. Talking of smell, today’s recipe of German Roasted Almonds is about that!
This year I made an early trip home for Christmas. Although it is good to be back home, I was missing the magic of the Christmas Markets in Germany. Thought of making some Glühwein but it would be too warm to enjoy in this weather. wat else could I make to recreate the feel of a Christmas Market?
When one walks through a Christmas market, without fail their senses would latch on to the aroma of caramelized Cinnamon-Sugar wafting through the air. This aroma would be emanating from the numerous stalls selling roasted nuts. One will find a variety of them viz. cashewnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios but the most popular are the Gebrannte Mandeln (almonds) better known in English as German Roasted Almonds.
I made a batch of these addictive German Roasted Almonds, and the family just loved it. And, I can safely say these roasted almonds will feature permanently on our Kuswar Platter.
How to make German Roasted Almonds
Making the German Roasted Almonds is a very technical process but an easy one. Measure all the ingredients before-hand and keep them ready! Once you begin cooking, you will have no time to measure the ingredients.
In a large skillet, combine water, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon over medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring continuously. Once the cinnamon sugar has melted and the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and add the almonds. Continue cooking until the sugar has darkened, water has evaporated, and the sugar is coating the almonds. Ensure that you do not burn the sugar. Adjust the heat accordingly.
Stirring will get difficult as the sugar thickens but keep stirring to prevent burning. Soon the sugar will appear dry and fuzzy before it again begins to melt and the almonds will once again appear shiny. Continue to stir as the delicious aroma of caramelised cinnamon sugar engulfs your kitchen. Once the sugar has melted again, turn the heat down to low and add sugar and vanilla extract and keep stirring and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until the sugar melts and clumps around the almonds.
Transfer the almonds to a lined baking tray and with a wooden spoon, spread them out quickly before the sugar sets, to prevent the almonds from clumping together. These Roasted almonds can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. And if by chance you have any remaining for later, store them in an air-tight container.
German Roasted Almonds | Gebrannte Mandeln
Equipment
- 1 Skillet/ Frying Pan. Large
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Parchment lined baking sheet
Ingredients
- 250 ml Water
- 300 gms Granulated Sugar (divided)
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 300 gms Whole Almonds, Raw
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine the water, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon over medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring continuously.
- Once the cinnamon sugar has melted and the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat and add the almonds
- Continue cooking until the sugar has darkened, water has evaporated, and the sugar is coating the almonds. Ensure that you do not burn the sugar. Adjust the heat accordingly.
- Stirring will get difficult as the sugar thickens but keep stirring to prevent burning. Soon the sugar will appear dry and fuzzy before it again begins to melt and the almonds will once again appear shiny.
- Once the sugar has melted again, turn the heat down to low and add sugar and vanilla extract and keep stirring and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until the sugar melts and clumps around the almonds.
- Transfer the almonds to a lined baking tray and with a wooden spoon, spread them out quickly before the sugar sets, to prevent the almonds from clumping together.
- These Roasted almonds can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. And if by chance you have any remaining for later, store them in an air-tight container.
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