Cook it yourself - 03 - Peanut Butter

Made the thing that disappears the fastest in the house – Peanut Butterrrr
I was introduced to it  only a year ago . I had not tasted it before though  i 

love peanuts and its flavor .

After a year of loving peanut butter I was curious what really is peanut butter .
.

As usual googled it and realized its nothing but peanuts ground to a paste unlike many think its peanut and butter . 

So why not cook it yourself ?

Well good news is there is no cooking involved at all .

So people like me who don’t enjoy cooking  should totally try making this .

Guess what! It turned out just like the store bought ones

Now you might wonder what is a predominantly western product got to do with Bangalore or Karnataka .

Well Bangalore is the only city in india celebrating Peanuts . we have peanut fair that has been happening in the city from over 100 yrs during the peanut harvest season .

Also a chaat called congress peanut chaat is an invention this city is proud off .

Peanuts are extensively grown in Karnataka .

So this had to feature on BANGALORExpress blog , Cook it yourself series 

So let me help you to cook it yourself

Things you will need :

1/2kg good quality Peanuts

½ Teaspoon  salt

1 Teaspoon of honey or sugar

2 Teaspoon of olive Oil – Choose any oil , healthier one is better

A wok / Kadai

Mixer or Food Processor

Your legs on a not  tired day as standing is involved  here

Step 1:

Dry Roast the Peanuts on Medium Low continuously to evenly roast them .

When the aroma fills the air and peanuts change color slightly switch off the gas and let the peanuts cool . Ensure you don’t over roast it

Step 2:

Crush/ Rub  the peanuts between your palm so that the skin gets peeled off . If roasted evenly the skin peels off very easily

Then take a colander and start sieving  the peanuts around to get rid of the skin .

Then for a final cleaning put the peanuts in batches to a plate and start blowing air while moving the plates so the skin will fly away .

This will get a bit messy so switch of the fans before doing this

Step 3 :

Put the peanuts in the mixer, add salt and  sugar and blend away

Every ½ minute check , scrape the sides and blend away .

Slowly the peanut powder turns into lumps and oil starts oozing out and starts becoming thinner . Add some oil and blend for some more time

When you see the mixture turning glossy and a smooth paste you are done

Step 4 :

Put it in a nice glass jar , admire your creation, click some pics  and then save it in the fridge (This is because we haven’t added preservatives so not sure how long it will last )

Trust me tastes just like store bought one  and it feels good to  know exactly what went into your peanut butter

Worth it or not :

 15 mins of roasting , 15 Mins to separate the skin & 15 mins of grinding – Total 45 mins of work

Cost of Peanuts – 75 rs for ½ Kg

Peanut butter made – Approx 200 - 300 gms  Jar full – 150 – 200 rs if you have to buy from a store

So decide for yourself .

Benefits of peanuts

Like most other legumes, peanuts harbor symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules.^[5] This capacity to fix nitrogen means peanuts require less nitrogen-containing fertilizer and improve soil fertility, making them valuable in crop rotations.

Peanuts are similar in taste and nutritional profile to tree nuts such as walnuts and almonds, and are often served in similar ways in Western cuisines

So do make it yourself :-)

Till the next time

Much Love
Be. xpress