Nutrition Spotlight
If you wonder whether it’s worth the trouble to make our own peanut butter at home instead of buying the store product, the answer is definitely positive. I can think of many reasons why homemade peanut butter is a much better and healthier choice:
- No partially hydrogenated oils or other kinds of added oils.
- Limited amount of sugar and other sweeteners. Or not at all.
- Limited amount of salt. Or not at all.
- Carefully selected peanuts, still in their protective shells.
And last, but not least…
- Several brands of peanut butter have been linked to salmonella outbreaks in recent years.
Peanut butter, as well as peanuts, may be rich in fat but they are also rich in protein, B Vitamins, Folate and Vitamin E, and also several minerals like Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper and Iron. It is one of those foods that we need to remember to keep in moderation but we definitely want as part of our nutrition.
And one last reminder! Homemade peanut butter makes a wonderful gift for your loved ones. You can get creative with the decoration of your jars and prepare gifts that will be bursting with your own imagination, love and, of course, healthy eating inspiration.
How to make homemade peanut butter
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Non-stick baking pan
- Food processor
- Spatula
- Glass jars
Ingredients
- 2.2 pounds shelled peanuts (1 kgr)
- 1½ tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the shells and skins from the peanuts. You will yield approximately 1.5 pounds (700 gr.) of peeled and skinned peanuts.
- Preheat the oven at 400°F / 200°C.
- Place the peanuts in a bowl, add ½ tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp salt and stir until they are well coated.
- Spread them on a non-stick baking pan and, depending on your color and flavor intensity preferences, roast them for 5-15 minutes, stirring slightly in between.
- Transfer the roasted peanuts to the food processor and add the remaining olive oil and salt and also sugar or honey if you wish.
- Process them in maximum speed. Periodically stop and use a spatula to clean down the sides.
- When the texture is as smooth as you like it, transfer it to glass jars.
- Let them cool completely and keep them refrigerated.
NOTES
- The roasting time is what gives the peanut butter the unique distinct flavor you like and also the color you prefer best. Keep in mind that the more they stay in the oven, the darker color and the more intense flavor of roasted peanuts the final product will have.
- If you want your peanut butter smooth and your food processor is not powerful enough and gives a crumbly texture, you can transfer it to a blender and let it do the rest of the work.
- If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, you can put aside some of the crumbly mixture, add it to the smooth one in the end and slightly mix them together.
