Peanuts are the fruit of the groundnut, a plant native to South America. Contrary to what one might think, they do not belong to the oilseed family, like walnuts and almonds, but to that of legumeslike lentils and chickpeas.
Benefits of peanuts and precautions for use
Peanuts are naturally high in healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. They are therefore of particular interest for maintain heart healthmetabolism and to control blood sugar levels.
However, care should be taken when preparing a peanut dish, as peanut allergy is one of the most virulent allergies. It results in cutaneous, digestive and respiratory symptoms, which require immediate medical care. So always ask your guests if they are sensitive to this food before cooking it.
How to use peanut in cooking?
In the kitchen, the peanut is prepared whole or in the form of peanut butter. Crushed, it slips easily into salads, sautéed dishes, or even cakes. It brings crunch and a slight nutty taste. Used in the form of butter, it flavors sauces, broths or vinaigrettes.
A word of advice: if you buy ready-to-use peanuts, check that they are unsalted! We reserve the savory versions for appetizers (in moderation, of course!).
Do you want to prepare a peanut-based dish, but you lack ideas? Here is 9 sweet and savory recipes to discover !
