By Ujjainee Roy
July 27, 2024
Trying to get rid of commercialised condiments in your home? One of the easiest things to make at home is peanut butter! It needs minimal ingredients and the best part is you can control the amount of sugar and sweeteners you add and also cut down on preservatives. Here's how to make homemade peanut butter.
– 2 cups (about 300 grams) of unsalted, roasted peanuts – 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil (such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil) – Salt to taste (optional) – Sweetener to taste, such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar (optional)
If you’re using raw peanuts, roast them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool before using. If using pre-roasted peanuts, ensure they are unsalted if you want to control the salt content.
Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor. Process for about 1 minute, or until the peanuts are broken down into a coarse meal. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Processing: Continue processing the peanuts.
Add the oil gradually to reach your desired consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon of oil and add more if needed for a creamier texture.
Taste the peanut butter. Add salt to taste (a pinch or two is usually enough). If you prefer a slightly sweet peanut butter, add your choice of sweetener, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste.
Continue processing the mixture until it reaches your desired smoothness. For chunky peanut butter, you can add an additional handful of peanuts at the end and pulse briefly to chop them into small pieces.
Transfer the peanut butter to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Stir it well before each use, as natural oils may separate over time.