How to make your own slivered almonds and pistachios. This is a reader request, for those of you who don’t have access to them, here’s the promised tutorial!
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
What are slivered almonds?
Slivered almonds are almonds that have been peeled, split in half, then cut into tiny strips (slivers). Sliced almonds are just almonds that have been sliced, holding their oblong shape.
I can get them easily here in the UK, both at the Indian grocers some 30 minutes away, as well as online. And since I use them a lot, for my blog, my classes and my clients, I tend to buy them in bulk.
If you are in the US, just do an online search for bulk slivered almonds blanched or pistachios, and I’m sure you’ll get many options.
What are slivered pistachios?
Ditto here. Slivered pistachios are pistachios that have been split, then sliced into tiny strips (slivers). They are so much more effective than chopped pistachios.
The greener and more vibrant your pistachios, the more stunning they will be visually. So always look for super green looking pistachios for making slivered pistachios.
However, some years ago, I was caught out on one particular occasion. I needed some slivered pistachios, and didn’t have any, so ended having to make some before proceeding with the recipe.
How to Blanch, Split and Sliver Almonds and Pistachios
So many of you, have, over the years, asked me how to make slivered almonds and slivered pistachios at home, as not everyone of you has access to them. This is how we do it:
- Soak the nuts in hot water
- Peel the nuts (in seconds), almonds just slip out of their skins
- Split in half
- Cut into tiny slivers
How to use slivered almonds and slivered pistachios?
As mentioned above, they make a great topping or garnish for any number of dishes, savoury and sweet. Here are just some ideas:
- ice cream
- rice pudding
- tarts – sweet and savoury
- rice and cous cous
- stews
Sound easy to you? Let’s get to it!
Recipes for your Slivered Nuts
If you enjoy this recipe, drop me a comment and let me know. And if you are feeling like a star, don’t forget that 5-star rating! Thank you!
If you make this recipe, post it on Instagram and tag me @azlinbloor with the hashtag #linsfood.
Lin xx
How to Make your Own Slivered Almonds and Pistachios
Equipment
- Knife
- Chopping board
- bowl
- kettle for hot water
Ingredients
- a handful raw almonds or pistachios
- 1 medium bowl of hot water let the water rest for 1 minute after boiling
Instructions
- Place your nuts in the bowl and top with hot water. Leave to soak for 10 minutes.a handful raw almonds or pistachios, 1 medium bowl of hot water
- Drain the nuts and place on some kitchen paper.
- Either using just your hands or a dry kitchen paper, slowly squeeze the nuts to remove the skin. Almonds are super easy. As you can see in the video, they will just slide out. Pistachios may need a little help, you may need to peel use your nails to peel the skin off, it depends on the age of the pistachios. But it should still be easy. Discard the skin.
- Either using your clean nails or a small paring knife, find the middle line on the nuts and split them apart. See video.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the nut halves into thin strips (slivers).
To Store
- Spread the slivered almonds or slivered pistachios on a plate in a single layer and leave them to dry, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Store in an airtight container and use within 3 months. I keep mine in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
Video
slivered almonds are just awesome and I use them in puddings and Rice – milk porridge for my child and family. Lovely post
Thank you!
We always shave / chop them depending on our recipe… Though we love consuming them whole
They are wonderful in so many ways!
For toppings and garnishing , I’ve always used coriander leaves where necessary even though I have almonds in the kitchen. Well, I’ve never really used them for my toppings but they are just fine. Seems I got more to explore in the kitchen!
Haha, thank you!
This was a great post. I would usually just buy them already like this but it is great to know how to do this myself!
I have never heard of silvered almonds until now. I like the sound of them. Will be trying this recipe.
These look like such pretty toppings! I haven’t seen them in many dishes apart from old recipes from my nan’s era! haha I shall have to try and make some.
I’ve always bought them slivered. I never even thought about making my own. So interesting – and they look pretty as toppings.
This is something I would always prefer to buy. But now I think I must give it a try at home
I think so too I would never consider preparing it at home! But it looks like I should give it a go one day! Thank you!
I suppose it’s always handy to know how to do it, it may come in handy!
Wow your pictures are great! This is one of those things that I would never even consider doing, I’d just buy it. Thanks for sharing I’ll have to give it a go now!
Thank you, Tara. Yes, I definitely buy them too, but amazingly, so many people can only get them whole, or chopped.