Tender ,green and fuzzy ,these tangy morsels ,is how the amazing almonds start off.Exclusive to the spring season,green almonds are considered a rare delicacy for its short lifespan and incredibly succulent flavor.The tender spring fruit,has a soft white almond core,is completely edible,while the green almonds harvested in late summer have harder shell,with a more firm and brown almond in the core.Originating from Middle East and Mediterranean,these are also grown in California and can easily be spotted in Middle Eastern and other specialty stores,at an affordable price.
The grape-sized green almonds with a sprinkle of salt makes an enjoyable tart snack.Or makes a wholesome addition in stews and pasta.The grated or shaved green almonds can be tossed in salad or used as garnish.
These strikingly attractive appetizers , made with crunchy baked whole grain pita wedges slathered with creamy hummus and garnished with finely shred green almonds, red cabbage and fresh herbs,is one another simple and pleasing way to savor the spring delicacy.
Ingredients
For Pita wedges
2 large or 3 medium whole grain pita bread
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For Green Almond Hash
1 cup tender green almonds,rinsed
1 tablespoon lemon juice,freshly squeezed.
pinch of salt
1 cup home made hummus
1/4 cup of other vegetables like carrots or red cabbage,finely shred
few leaves of fresh herbs(I use tender fenugreek leaves)
Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Using a chef's knife cut each pita in to 2 halves. Cut each half in 4 or 8 triangles each,depending how big you like the wedges. Lay the triangles on a cookie sheet.
Combine Olive oil and spices in a bowl. Brush the mixture over each of the cut pita.
Now bake for about 7-8 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.Keep a close eye as these can burn easily.Cool for rack for a minute before spreading hummus.
While the pita wedges cool,prepare the green almond hash.Snap off the step part of the almonds.Process in a blender or food processor along with salt and lemon juice until finely chopped.
To assemble the wedges,spread about a tablespoon of hummus over,then sprinkle the green almond hash all around ,then finally sprinkle other shred vegetable and some fresh herbs and serve.
The recipe is my entry for Weekend Herb Blogging #229 ,hosted this week by Katie of Eat this
