Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (2024)

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by Joanne April 12, 2023

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Marcona almonds are to Spain what San Marzano tomatoes are to Italy, and what Turkish apricots are to Turkey.These Spanish almonds are one of Spain’s best food products and I have seen them explode in popularity across the US in the past few years, and for good reason!

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (1)

When I first arrived in Spain ten years ago to study abroad for 4 months, the first thing my host mom did was hand me a paper napkin cradling a small handful of Marcona almonds freshly toasted in Spanish olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt.

My first thought was, uh…what are these? What’s up with these rounded chubby almonds?!

They were Spanish almonds!

That was the first time I discovered the Marcona variety, and I fell in love with them. If you see them at your grocery store (I get mine at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s), snatch them up and make this recipe.

You’ll love them toasted in rosemary olive oil!

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (2)

What are Marcona Almonds?

If you’ve never had one before, they’re more flavorful, a little sweeter, and have a different kind of crunch to them than conventional almonds. The crunch has more of a macadamia nut-like texture to it.

I often enjoy these on their own, but also like to serve them at parties and for holidays as an appetizer alongsideBacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts,Puff Pastry Cheese Straws, and anAntipasto Platter.

Step by Step Overview:

To start, add some extra virgin olive oil to a skillet:

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (3)

Add just enough to coat the bottom, usually a couple tablespoons. Then add a sprig of fresh rosemary:

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (4)

Add enough Marcona almonds to form a single layer, and place the skillet over medium low heat for about 15 minutes.

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When you take the almonds off the heat, they should be golden brown and toasted, and the olive oil should be bubbling:

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Remove the toasted almonds with a slotted spoon and toss them with crunchy sea salt and extra minced fresh rosemary:

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The leftover rosemary infused olive oil is wonderful to use for cooking vegetables or chicken, or you can do multiple batches of nuts.

Romescois a wonderful sauce made with almonds, and you can make it extra amazing by using these Spanish nuts. You can also use them in these Raspberry Energy Bites, this Granola Recipe, and Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and FAQ

How do you store leftover Rosemary Marcona Almonds?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can you freeze Rosemary Marcona Almonds?

Yes, in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 2 hours.

Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (8)

Rosemary Marcona Almonds

Servings: 2 but easily doubles

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Marcona Almonds are toasted in a rosemary-infused olive oil for a delicious Spanish snack!

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Ingredients

  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup marcona almonds raw
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • crunchy coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Pour enough olive oil to coat the bottom of a skillet, usually a couple tablespoons, then add a rosemary sprig to the oil. Add the nuts to the oil, and make sure they are all in a single layer.

  • Place the skillet over medium low heat for 10 minutes, then give it a stir. The almonds should be starting to turn golden brown. Cook for an additional five minutes, stirring halfway through, then remove the almonds with a slotted spoon.

  • Toss the almonds with a good pinch of crunchy sea salt, and if desired, you can mince some rosemary leaves from the second sprig and toss them with the almonds for extra rosemary flavor. Let the almonds cool, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for 2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Potassium: 252mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1g, Calcium: 94mg, Iron: 1.3mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Spanish

Author: Fifteen Spatulas

Post updated in July 2019. Originally publishedAugust 2013.

posted in: All Recent Posts, Appetizers, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan 15 comments

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    15 Comments on “Rosemary Marcona Almonds”

  1. Gina Reply

    Delicious! I used them on my charcuterie board and they disappeared.

  2. Kristen Reply

    This is incredibly creative! What a great idea for a recipe!

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Thank you Kristen, that’s really sweet!

  3. Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste Reply

    These look fantastic! I love Marcona almonds and can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Thanks Kelly =) See you at BHG next month!

  4. Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies Reply

    I’ve never seen these almonds before, now I’m going to be on the lookout. I bet these would be fantastic in a salad!

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Hi Jen, yes they’re great if you can find them. They’re my favorite nut, and I pretty much love all kinds so that’s saying a lot =)

  5. Pey-Lih Reply

    They look wonderful….I will give definitely give these a try. They look great for housewarming gifts, too. Thank you for the recipe!

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Thanks Pey-Lih! Yes, they keep pretty well. Hope you enjoy the marconas!

  6. Cathy Pollak ~ Noble Pig Reply

    I was so excited when Costco started carrying Marcona almonds because I love them. So perfect for happy hour!

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      I have heard good things about Costco from my FIL. He said the produce he buys there is usually very good. Probably depends on the location too =)

  7. Kelsi Tsukayama Reply

    These look so good! Can’t wait to make them! Love all your recipes! 🙂

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Thanks so much Kelsi, hope you enjoy the almonds!

  8. Myrtle Reply

    Wow, these look fantastic! I love roasted savory almonds, and these look amazing. Do you have to boil them to get the skins off, or do you just buy them that way?

    • Joanne Ozug Reply

      Hi Myrtle, come to think of it, I’ve always seen them come in containers that way, without the peel. They are raw when I buy them. Hope you try and enjoy!

Rosemary Marcona Almonds Recipe - Fifteen Spatulas (2024)

FAQs

What is so special about Marcona almonds? ›

What is so special about Marcona almonds? It's the taste and texture compared to other almond varieties, such as the Californian almond found in most retailers. Moist, plump and creamy, they make not only a delicious snacking nut, but they are also a great accompaniment to fish or chicken dishes.

Should you refrigerate Marcona almonds? ›

Marcona Almonds Storage

If stored correctly, these nuts usually have a shelf life of a few months, but heat and humidity can cause them to turn sooner. They can be kept in the fridge or freezer if you're trying to lengthen their shelf life. If the almonds aren't stored properly, they may become rancid.

Why are Marcona almonds so expensive? ›

As Garten said, Marcona almonds are, indeed, expensive and this has to do with the fact that they are imported from a single location (Spain) and considered a gourmet grocery item. The good news is you can make almonds at home that have a similar flavor and feel to Spanish Marconas.

What is the difference between a Marcona almond and a regular almond? ›

The flavor and texture of marcona almonds are entirely different than the more common California almond. A higher fat content helps explain the textural difference — tender-crunchy and moist. As for flavor, think uber savory and steak-like.

What is another name for Marcona almonds? ›

Sometimes called "the queen of almonds," Marcona almonds are large and flat, with a higher fat content than California almonds.

Can diabetics eat Marcona almonds? ›

Almonds may be beneficial if you have diabetes because they might reduce a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, and they're rich in magnesium.

Can Marcona almonds go bad? ›

Almonds are rich in omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, which is why they're good for a heart-healthy diet. 2 But those fats start to go rancid if the almonds are exposed to the oxygen in the air, especially at room temperature. Rancid oil makes the stale almonds taste bad.

How long do Marcona almonds last once opened? ›

Whole, unopened almonds in the shell can last for up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, and away from direct sunlight. Once the shell is opened, the almonds should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 6 months.

What goes well with Marcona almonds? ›

In Spain, marcona almonds show up with savory and sweet companions. They pair nicely with cheeses, often are crushed and mixed into ground figs, and are added liberally to turron, a sweet honey-based Spanish nougat. And they make a nice soup topping.

Is Costco selling Marcona almonds? ›

Kirkland Signature Marcona Almonds, 20.7 oz | Costco.

What is the price of Marcona almonds? ›

Marcona Almond Nuts, Packing Size: 5 Kg at Rs 900/kilogram in Chennai | ID: 17010167391.

What plant makes Marcona almonds? ›

Prunus dulcis

How many almonds should you eat a day? ›

When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Just remember 1-2-3. 1 ounce of almonds, or about 23 almond nuts, is the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Does Aldi have Marcona almonds? ›

Aldi offers Specially Selected Marcona Almonds at $4.99 for a 5-ounce bag. They come in rosemary and sea salt flavors — there's no shame in purchasing both.

What is the deal with Marcona almonds? ›

These almonds are more rounded and plump than the California varieties we're used to. They also seem to have a softer and somewhat “wet” texture, similar to macadamia nuts. The marcona almonds we've tried have a sweeter, more delicate taste closer to the flavor we associate with almond extract.

What are the healthiest almonds in the world? ›

The Iranian mamra almonds have the highest fat content of any variety of almond, making them a great choice for those looking to boost their overall health. The best mamra almonds have a high oil content, which means they're full of healthy fats and are also low in carbohydrates.

What do you use Marcona almonds for? ›

In Spain, marcona almonds show up with savory and sweet companions. They pair nicely with cheeses, often are crushed and mixed into ground figs, and are added liberally to turron, a sweet honey-based Spanish nougat. And they make a nice soup topping. The soup recipe below is great whatever the weather.

Are Marcona almonds only grown in Spain? ›

Spain is the only producer of this unique almond; round and plump, sweet and with very low bitterness, the Marcona almond is used predominantly in pastries and baked goods.

References

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