You can't go wrong with almond and herb crackers, whether you're looking for a Paleo snack or just some healthy crackers to go with your tea.
Almond and herb crackers are made with almond flour, which is a healthy alternative to wheat flour variants, and they have a unique blend of herbs. Parsley, thyme, rosemary and oregano are the primary ingredients used in the cracker mixture. However, other herbs like basil and chives can be used to create different variations.
These simple homemade crackers are loaded with natural goodness, packed with satisfying protein and are abundant in good fats. A superior alternative to most store bought crackers! A serving of healthy almond crackers contains 2 grams of protein and dietary fibre. Almonds can help lower cholesterol, fight cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and arthritis among many others. In the case of cardiovascular diseases, they have been found to significantly reduce total cholesterol levels. They also reduce LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) by preventing its oxidation.
Source: NaturalOn
Studies have shown that almonds increase HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein), which does not promote oxidation. These benefits are derived from the nut's amino acid, monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant content. Using almonds in a homemade cracker can do wonders to your health because they're your best defence against inflammation inside the body. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases. The high levels of monounsaturated fat along with magnesium, vitamin E, copper, manganese, riboflavin and niacin contained in almond nuts all contribute to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Almonds combined with fresh herbs are rich in phenolic compounds, which are plant antioxidants that protect against certain types of cancer. One study found that by consuming just 12 grams or approximately half a serving of almond and herb crackers per day will give you between 10% to 20% reduction in your risk for colorectal cancer.
Almond Herb Cracker Recipe
To make the world's healthiest crackers, you only need a few things on your ingredient list, including almond flour, almond meal, fresh herbs and mozzarella cheese, but to each his own, so you can add more to your almond herb cracker recipe. Some people combine fresh rosemary and flax seeds.
Play around with some Italian herbs, spices and flavours to give it a crispy texture; there are no rules with these homemade, delicious crackers. Try thyme, za'atar, sumac, lemon zest, turmeric, cumin or caraway seeds. It's going to be endless fun! Enjoy this healthy snack with sauerkraut, beetroot relish, goat's feta, hummus, guacamole or your favourite dip.
Getting the crackers nice and thin ensures a good crisp. Watch the crackers carefully when baking them for the first time; they may require a minute more or less on each side, depending on their thickness and your oven.
Extra Tip
For a quicker, more rustic version, roll out the dough as above. Remove the top baking sheet and transfer the dough together with the bottom baking sheet baking paper to a baking tray. Bake for 6-7 minutes, remove from the oven, carefully flip it over and bake for a further 5-7 minutes, until dry and beginning to golden. Transfer to a cooling rack and once cooled completely break up into crackers.
Ingredients
Makes ~25 crackers
- 1 cup raw almonds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds, poppy seeds or hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 organic egg
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
- Line a baking tray with a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place all the ingredients except for the egg and olive oil into a food processor and process to a fine meal.
- Whisk the egg in a mixing bowl and gradually whisk in the olive oil. Add in the meal and mix well. Pack the cracker dough tightly with your hands and roll out between two baking sheets to 2mm thickness. Remove the top baking sheet. Using a sharp, non-serrated knife, thinly cut the dough into squares (about 4cm x 4cm) and transfer to the prepared baking tray.
- Repeat this process for the excess (trimmed off) dough.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, turn the crackers over and bake for a further 3 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from the oven, transfer immediately to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
- Store in the pantry in a glass jar.
- Crackers will keep for 3 days (though demolished long before that!).
