Raw Recipe: Almond Butter
Making nut butters can be a little tricky. I used to think that I had to do them in my Vitamix, which would drive me batty with all the scraping down that was required. Other times, I would have a fail, only because I quit too early. I didn’t realize how much time it takes, and the process that the nuts have to go through. But if you have a little patience, you can make nut butters that are fabulous. You will never want to buy them again! Almond butter is a good one to start with.
I used my Kitchen Aid 12 cup food processor. It is a strong processor. The bottom warms up a little bit but if you are using an older processor, or a processor with a much weaker motor, common sense needs to prevail.
After 2 minutes it will look like this.
After 4 minutes it will look like this.
After 6 minutes it will look like this.
Around 8 minutes, the almond mixture will ball up. Just let it keep going.
At 10 minutes it has begun to redistribute, but it is not done yet. You want to wait until the oils get released.
At 12 minutes the almonds have released their oil and the butter is ready! If you want to add honey or salt, stir it in by hand.
*Chef’s Note: If using soaked, dehydrated (dried) almonds, you may need to add a little oil. This recipe requires the use of completely dry almonds.
Almond Butter
MAKES 1 1/4 CUPS ALMOND BUTTER
- 2 cups Almonds
- 1 tablespoon Raw Honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (optional)
- Place almonds in food processor. Process for 8-12 minutes. You will need to scrape down the sides in the beginning. If you choose to use the honey and salt, stir in by hand after the butter is made as it will seize the mixture if you try to add it before.
*Chef’s Note: If using soaked, dehydrated (dried) almonds, you may need to add a little oil. This recipe requires the use of completely dry almonds.
Roxanne wrote on February 6, 2010
Oh my, Susan! Thank you so much for this wonderful lesson. My new vitamix still puzzles me because of the heat it gives after a long run. I am SO grateful for the knowledge you’ve just shared. Will you please accept this online-link-gift from me? It’s a wonderful and artistic story that should be seen by the world. Patience. Thanks again for your wonderful lesson!!
http://www.zumbakamera.com/bendito.html
Raw Candy wrote on February 6, 2010
This is so helpful — I also thought only a Vitamix or certain juicers could make nut butters. Thanks for demystifying the process!
Blaine wrote on February 6, 2010
Oh, thank you for this. I’ve had an almond butter fail before but apparently I quit WAY too early.
Eco Mama wrote on February 6, 2010
That looks beautiful. If anyone can make a bowl full of almond butter look beautiful, it’s You!
xo
Eco Mama
veganlisa wrote on February 6, 2010
I’ve always been nervous to try this at home but you’ve given me confidence that this is what my food processor is made to do. It also allows for interesting variations, like cinnamon almond butter. I’m excited.
mandy wrote on February 6, 2010
Wow! That looks so awesome. I’m wondering where you find raw almonds these days as they have been illeagal to sell in the US since 2007 and even though some stores sell “raw” almonds they’re not; they’ve been pasteurized. Any tips? Love your blog!
Susan wrote on February 6, 2010
My coop actually carries unprocessed raw almonds. You can also google and find mail order sources.
Goody wrote on February 6, 2010
oh my…this looks so delicious and how incredibly easy..