Who does not like Peanut Butter? I must admit – I have had a soft spot for peanut butter for a very long time. In the past I used to buy it from the store, but since I have invested in a good blender I am able to make my own peanut butter at home and even customise it (for example adjust the roasting time of the peanuts to either get milder or rich flavour, or adding an additional ingredients such as coconut to make flavoured peanut butter).
Do you know that peanuts are not classified in the nut’s family but in legume as they grow below the ground? Many people believe that peanuts are not as nutritious as other nuts but actually peanuts have most of the same benefits compared to other more expensive nuts. The benefits of peanuts are countless, and if I was to name few I would say: they are high in “good” monosaturated fats which is the type of fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, rich in fibre and protein and also contain plenty of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and B vitamins.
The best peanuts for the peanut butter are the “red skinned peanuts”. I would also suggest buying Organic Peanuts as they are simply tastier, creamier and blend super-well.
Here is how to make Peanut Butter:
Ingredients:
500g of Organic Red Shelled Peanuts.
Equipment:
1 blender, baking tray
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 160 C. Spread the peanuts on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 Min. The roasting time will depend on your oven, so please keep an eye on the peanuts to ensure they don’t get burn. Also, if you prefer a rich roasted flavour, you should roast peanuts for longer. The pictured batch has been roasted for 23 min.
Once the peanuts are ready allow them to cool.
Once the peanuts are cool rub them with your hands and the skin should come off easily. I then use a hairdryer to blow the skin off the tray (effective but messy method). You don’t need to be perfect when removing the skin and some of it can stay on.
Put the peanuts in high power food blender and blend until you obtain smooth desired consistency (occasionally scrap down the sides of the blender).
Transfer the peanuts butter to a jar or other container.