When you think of almond butter, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are, it's a stack of pancakes, a swirl in your morning oatmeal, a creamy smoothie, or perhaps slathered on toast with banana. And while we absolutely adore its role in sweet treats – and our 99th Monkey Almond Butter certainly shines there – it’s time to expand your culinary horizons.
Today, we're here to champion the often-overlooked, incredibly versatile, and deeply delicious savoury side of almond butter. Prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) opened to a whole new world of flavour and nutrition!
The Sweet Misconception: Why Almond Butter Excels in Savoury Dishes
It's true that almond butter is inherently sweet due to the natural sweetness of almonds. However, this natural sweetness is actually a huge asset in savoury cooking, acting as a flavour enhancer and balancer rather than just a sweet substitute.
Here's why our 99th Monkey Almond Butter is a secret weapon for savoury dishes:
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Umami Depth: Almonds possess a subtle umami flavour – that elusive savoury richness that makes food deeply satisfying. When blended into sauces or spreads, this umami note adds complexity and a luxurious mouthfeel.
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Creaminess without Dairy: For those looking for dairy-free alternatives or simply to add a rich, smooth texture to dishes, almond butter is unparalleled. It provides a creamy body to sauces, dressings, and dips without needing cream or cheese.
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Nutty Aroma & Flavour: The inherent nuttiness of roasted almonds adds a warm, earthy dimension to savoury meals. This flavour pairs incredibly well with a wide range of ingredients, from bright herbs to spicy chilies.
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Binding & Thickening Agent: Just like it thickens smoothies, almond butter can naturally thicken sauces and dressings, giving them a velvety consistency without the need for flour or cornstarch.
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Balances Flavours: Its subtle sweetness and richness can help to balance sharp, spicy, or acidic notes in a dish, creating a more harmonious flavour profile. Think of it like how a touch of honey can balance a vinaigrette – almond butter does something similar, but with added protein and healthy fats.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Adding Almond Butter is a Smart Move
Beyond its amazing taste and texture, incorporating 99th Monkey Almond Butter into your savoury meals boosts their nutritional value significantly. Our almond butter is made only from almonds, ensuring you get all the goodness with every spoonful.
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Healthy Fats: A fantastic source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for heart health, reducing bad cholesterol, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
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Plant-Based Protein: A substantial source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This is particularly beneficial for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
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Dietary Fibre: Aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps to regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to sustained energy.
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Vitamins & Minerals: Packed with Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage), Magnesium (important for muscle and nerve function, and energy production), Calcium (for strong bones), and Iron (vital for oxygen transport).
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Satiety: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fibre makes almond butter incredibly satiating, helping you feel fuller for longer and preventing overeating.
Savoury Sensations: Ways to Use 99th Monkey Almond Butter in Your Meals
Ready to dive in? Here are some incredibly easy and delicious ways to integrate 99th Monkey Almond Butter into your savoury cooking:
1. The Ultimate Nut Butter Sauce (Your New Go-To)
This is perhaps the most versatile and impactful way to use almond butter in savoury dishes. Our 99th Monkey Almond Butter creates an incredibly smooth base for sauces.
Basic Formula: Mix 99th Monkey Almond Butter with:
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Soy Sauce (or Tamari/Coconut Aminos for gluten-free): This is your core umami component.
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Water (to thin): Add slowly until you reach your desired consistency – from a thick dipping sauce to a pourable dressing.
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Optional Enhancers: A dash of rice vinegar for tang, a squeeze of lime juice for brightness, grated ginger and garlic for aromatic depth, a touch of maple syrup or honey for extra balance, and a pinch of chilli flakes or sriracha for heat.
Uses:
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Rice Bowls & Nourish Bowls: Drizzle this amazing sauce over your favourite rice or nourish bowls packed with roasted veggies, tofu, chicken, or tempeh. It brings all the ingredients together with a burst of flavour.
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Noodle Dishes: Toss it through warm or cold noodles (rice noodles, soba, udon, or even zucchini noodles) with some crisp vegetables and protein for a quick, satisfying meal. Think of it as a healthier, creamier alternative to traditional peanut sauce.
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Dipping Sauce: It’s an absolute dream for dipping fresh rice paper rolls, grilled skewers (chicken, tofu, or vegetable), or even crunchy vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrot, capsicum).
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Stir-Fry Sauce: Whisk it into your stir-fry at the end of cooking for a rich, nutty finish that coats everything beautifully.
2. Elevating Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are already delicious, but a generous spread or drizzle of almond butter takes them to another level. The heat of the oven helps to slightly toast the almond butter, enhancing its nuttiness and creating a wonderfully creamy coating.
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Pumpkin & Sweet Potato: These starchy, naturally sweet vegetables are perfect partners. Toss cubed pumpkin or sweet potato with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs (rosemary, thyme), roast until tender and slightly caramelised, then dollop and gently spread 99th Monkey Almond Butter over them for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. The result is incredibly comforting and flavourful.
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Broccoli & Cauliflower: Roast florets until tender-crisp, then toss them with a thinned-out almond butter sauce (as above) for a savoury, nutty side dish.
3. Spreads & Fillings for Wraps, Sandwiches, and More
Forget boring spreads! Our 99th Monkey Almond Butter adds a gourmet touch and a nutritional boost to your everyday lunches.
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Lunch Wraps & Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of almond butter directly onto your tortilla or bread before adding your other fillings. It acts as a delicious glue and adds a creamy, nutty base. It pairs beautifully with sliced cucumber, grated carrot, leafy greens, grilled chicken, or tofu.
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Veggie Burgers: Mix a tablespoon of almond butter into your homemade veggie burger patties for extra moisture, flavour, and binding.
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Savoury Breakfast Bowls: Instead of a sweet swirl, add a savoury twist to your morning. Think quinoa or even savoury oats topped with a soft-boiled egg, some sautéed greens, and a drizzle of thinned almond butter sauce.
4. Enhancing Soups & Stews
For a touch of creaminess and a boost of protein, stir a tablespoon or two of 99th Monkey Almond Butter into pureed vegetable soups (like carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potato soup) just before serving. It adds a luxurious texture and a subtle nutty depth.
5. Marinades & Rubs
Whisk almond butter into marinades for chicken, fish, or tofu. Its healthy fats help to tenderise and infuse flavour into the protein. You can also mix it with spices and a little oil to create a paste for rubbing onto meats before roasting or grilling.
Unleash Your Culinary Creativity
The best way to discover the magic of 99th Monkey Almond Butter in savoury dishes is to simply experiment. Start small, try adding a spoonful to a dish you already love, and see how the flavours transform. You'll quickly find that its versatility knows no bounds.
Our 99th Monkey Almond Butter is pure, stone-ground goodness, making it the ideal base for all your savoury adventures. It's free from unnecessary additives, allowing its natural, rich flavour to shine through.
So, next time you reach for that jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter, don't just think breakfast. Think dinner. Think lunch. Think sensational sauces, roasted vegetables, and incredibly satisfying wraps. Your savoury meals are about to get a whole lot more exciting (and nutritious).
What's your favourite way to use almond butter in savoury dishes? Share your ideas with us!
