Olive Oil-Poached Green Almonds With Dill

A quick simmer turns the ephemeral spring ingredient into an irresistible cocktail snack.

Serves
6–8
Time
40 minutes, plus cooling

MATT TAYLOR-GROSS

Updated on May 1, 2025

A rare spring treat, green almonds are the fuzzy, crunchy, tart, immature fruit of the almond tree. Though they can be enjoyed raw, simmering green almonds in olive oil, orange juice, and aromatics mitigates their slightly bitter exterior, transforming them into a delectable cocktail party snack. This recipe is adapted from the now-shuttered Lokanta Maya in Istanbul.

Featured in “How to Cook With Green Almonds—A Fleeting Taste of Spring.”

Ingredients

1 lb. green almonds
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)
½ tsp. sugar
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ small onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped dill

ADVERTISEMENTAD

Instructions

Step 1

To a medium pot, add the green almonds, oil, orange juice, sugar, garlic, and onion, season with salt, and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the almonds are tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

Stir in 1 tablespoon of the dill. Transfer the almonds with their poaching liquid to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining dill.

To a medium pot, add the green almonds, oil, orange juice, sugar, garlic, and onion, season with salt, and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the almonds are tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of the dill. Transfer the almonds with their poaching liquid to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining dill.