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It is one of my favorite ingredients, both for its nutritional properties and for its versatility in the kitchen. Peanut butter is the most natural and healthy way to consume this legume (yes, it is a legume and not a dried fruit as is once thought).
I use it daily and I have to admit that I never stop discovering new recipes with this nut butter.
Foodie trend
What a few years ago was almost exclusive patrimony of the Americans, in recent years has crossed borders. In 2020, peanut butter sales in Britain surpassed those of the British’s beloved jelly.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) ensures in its latest report that Spaniards increased their consumption of peanut butter, almonds, walnuts, almond flour … in the first months of confinement (March 2020) by 36% compared to to the same period of the previous year. Later, this figure stabilized around 15% in the following weeks.
Nutritional properties
Rich in healthy fats: I’d like to remind you that not all fats are bad. Peanut butter is full of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and control LDL cholesterol levels .
Vegetable protein source: every 100 grams of cream contains 24 grams of protein.
High fiber content: so it helps regulate intestinal transit and keep us satiated for longer.
Vitamins and minerals: iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin B3.
Antioxidant: studies ensure that its resveratrol content makes it an ally to strengthen the immune system, improve skin quality and improve intestinal flora.
Not all are the same
It is important to know that not all peanut butters on the market are the same, in fact, I invite you to look at the labels carefully. Most are full of added sugars, vegetable oils, aromas … The solution is very easy: only one ingredient should appear on the label, crushed peanuts.
One example is Natruly’s Peanut Butter, a best seller made with the highest quality peanuts. What I like the most is its smooth and creamy texture, easy to spread and to handle when preparing dishes.
How do I use the Peanut Butter?
In smoothies: a simple spoonful and I already have extra energy because of my shake. My favorite mix is this Banana, Cocoa and Peanut Butter Smoothie: three ingredients that together are perfect.
In yogurt: I like to mix this probiotic with granola, seeds, nuts … but the final touch cannot be missing: a teaspoon of peanut butter.
In desserts: cookies, cakes, muffins and even ice cream. The reason? It provides a dense and at the same time creamy base texture, comparable to that of butter or egg.
In porridge: oatmeal is a great breakfast that I recommend most because it is very satiating, energetic and takes care of the digestive system. The best topping is peanut butter.
On sandwiches and snacks – my kids love it!
In vegetable creams: it gives you an unbeatable extra creaminess.
In stews: one of my favorite dishes is the Grilled Chicken with Sweet and Sour Peanut Cream Sauce, it is really good and the texture and flavor of the sauce thanks to the combination of pineapple with peanut butter, is exquisite.
On fruit: apple and banana are for me the best to combine with this cream. Simply slice the fruit, cover it in peanut butter, and enjoy.
Spread: one of my favorite snacks before and after doing sports is gluten-free pancakes or toasts covered in peanut butter. Simple and perfect!
Spoonful: inevitable, if I have it on hand I can’t help it
Are you also a peanut lover? I see you.
