Crafted from a simple blend of roasted nuts, Homemade nut butter is a delectable creation that offers a world of benefits over its store-bought versions. While they're a popular choice in many households, homemade versions are always better than store-bought ones. Store-bought versions often have extra sugars, fats that are bad for you, and additives that make them less healthy and pure. Making your own nut butter, on the other hand, gives you full control over the ingredients, so you can be sure that the taste is pure and natural. It's better for you as it has more antioxidants, good fats, and essential nutrients. Not only will making your own nut butter give you a better, more personalised experience, but it will also help you make healthier food choices by avoiding the problems that come with store-bought nut butter. Here are 3 nut butter recipes that you can make at your home.
Almond/ Peanut Butter
Ingredients
1 cup (100 g) raw peanuts
or 1 (100 g) cup raw almonds
Method: Roast the nuts in a hot pan over a medium heat for about 10 minutes. Then set them aside to cool off. Put the nuts in a blender and whizz them around for five to seven minutes. Avoid overheating your blender by limiting blending sessions to not more than 15 to 20 seconds. It begins with grinding the nuts into a powder. You may feel like they will never turn into butter, but soon the powder will turn into a buttery substance. Transfer the butter into a jar. You can store it for 5-7 days.
Coconut Butter
Ingredients
1 dry coconut (gola)
Method: Remove the brown skin from the dried coconut and chop it up. Put the chunks into a powerful blender. The mixture needs to be blended for at least seven to ten minutes to become smooth and buttery. It will get powdery at first, then transform into butter. The mixture needs to be blended for at least seven to ten minutes to become smooth and buttery. Place the butter in a jar and refrigerate for up to a week.
Pairings
Whole grain bread
A classic pairing, spreading nut butter on whole-grain bread creates a balanced snack or meal. The nut butter supplies healthy fats and protein, while the whole grain bread offers fibre and complex carbohydrates, providing lasting energy and satiety.
Yoghurt
Incorporating nut butter into Greek yoghurt can elevate the taste and texture of plain yoghurt, resulting in a luscious and indulgent snack. This combination provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, as well as probiotics from the yoghurt to support a healthy gut.
Smoothies
Blending a dollop of nut butter into your smoothie not only enhances its texture but also improves its protein content, making it a nourishing choice for a meal or snack.