The Endlessly Versatile World of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter's creamy texture and nutty, comforting flavor make it a pantry staple beloved by both kids and adults alike. Though high in calories and fat when enjoyed straight from the jar, peanut butter can be an integral part of a balanced diet when used thoughtfully in recipes. Take advantage of peanut butter's protein and fiber content by incorporating it into meals and snacks in creative ways.
Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter delivers a good amount of nutrition in one spoonful:
- Plant-based protein to help keep you satisfied
- Healthy monounsaturated fats
- Fiber for digestive and heart health
- Antioxidants like resveratrol to reduce inflammation
- Key vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium
Focus on buying natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oils or excess sugar. Pair it with whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to balance out a meal.
Incorporating Peanut Butter into Meals
Breakfast is an easy place to start enjoying peanut butter. Spread it on whole wheat toast, stir it into oatmeal, or blend it into a smoothie for a nutrition and protein boost to start your day. Salads and stir frys also welcome peanut butter - mix small amounts into an Asian inspired dressing or use it to coat your salad greens instead of croutons.
One of the best uses for peanut butter is in home-baked goods. Muffins, cookies, granola bars, and more can all handle a dose of peanut buttery goodness. Or get creative with the classics through recipes like peanut butter stuffed French toast, Thai chicken peanut noodles, African peanut stew, and Thai cucumber peanut butter sandwiches.
Sensational Sweet and Savory Peanut Butter Recipes
Ready to enjoy peanut butter beyond just the jelly? Here are some delicious ways to cook and bake with it:
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Skip boring bowls of oatmeal by letting the peanut buttery flavors meld together overnight. Layer oats with almond milk, chia seeds, banana, and a big dollop of peanut butter for a grab-and-go morning meal.
Peanut Sauce Noodles
Coat noodles in an easy peanut ginger sauce heightened with soy sauce, lime, cilantro and red pepper flakes for a quick weeknight dinner.
African Peanut Stew Over Rice
Warm up with a cozy peanut based stew filled with vegetables like okra, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
Peanut Butter Stuffed French Toast
Take French toast to new levels by slathering peanut butter and banana slices between battered slices of challah or brioche before frying for a decadent brunch dish.
Thai Chicken Peanut Zoodles
Pad thai without the guilt! Zoodles stand in for noodles and absorb an addictive Thai peanut sauce with chicken, cilantro, lime and chopped peanuts on top.
Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake
Sneak extra nutrition into dessert via a frosty milkshake with peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, banana, and a little honey for natural sweetness.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
A no-fuss way to homemade candy, these 3-ingredient pretzel bars topped with melted chocolate and swirled with peanut butter will become a new favorite.
Tips for Cooking and Baking with Peanut Butter
Take your peanut butter recipes to the next level with these pro tips:
- Look for recipes that use creamy versus chunky peanut butter for the best texture.
- Reduce added sugar in baking recipes by relying more on the natural sweetness of peanut butter.
- If thinning out peanut butter for sauces or dressings, use the cooking liquid or soft ingredients instead of excessive water.
- Underbake peanut butter baked goods slightly to prevent dryness.
- Store peanut butter at room temperature so it stays smooth and stirrable.
What are you waiting for? Dive into cooking and baking with peanut butter today.
FAQs
What are some good savory peanut butter recipes?
Some of the most popular savory peanut butter recipes include peanut noodles, peanut chicken stir fry, Thai curry with peanut sauce, peanut butter hummus, African peanut stew, and Asian chopped salads with a peanut dressing.
What desserts work well with peanut butter?
Great desserts to make with peanut butter include peanut butter cheesecake, peanut butter fudge, peanut butter ice cream, peanut butter cookies, peanut butter cupcakes, peanut butter pie, and no-bake peanut butter pretzel bars.
Does natural peanut butter work for baking?
Yes, you can bake with natural peanut butter just as well as traditional peanut butter. Just note the texture will be a little thicker and use recipes meant for creamy versus chunky peanut butter.
How can I make peanut butter healthier?
Some ways to lighten up peanut butter include choosing natural no-sugar-added types, using powdered peanut butter, mixing in cocoa powder or nut butters for flavor, pairing it with fiber-rich fruits and veggies, and watching portion sizes in recipes.
What's the trick to getting peanut butter to blend smoothly into sauces?
Mix small amounts at a time into hot cooking liquid instead of cold water. You can also soften peanut butter first in the microwave or thin it out with a bit of hot water before mixing into Asian noodles, stir frys, stews and dressings.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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