Recipes Using Dry Roasted Peanuts

A peanut is known by several names such as groundnuts, earth nuts, goober peas, monkey nuts, or pig nuts. Though it appears like a nut, a groundnut is basically a legume (a bean). In the 17^th century, Portuguese traders had introduced this nut to China.

Ever since, China leads in the overall world production of these nuts. India and the United states of America are the 2^nd and the 3^rd largest producers in the world, respectively.

Groundnuts can be had in any which way you like. They can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. Its oil is extensively used in cooking, and its flour finds widespread usage. It can also be made into solvents and medicines. Like other legumes, earth nuts can be used to make lactose-free, milk-like beverage called peanut milk.

Ever since, China leads in the overall world production of these nuts. India and the United states of America are the 2^nd and the 3^rd largest producers in the world, respectively.

Things Required

• Broiler drumsticks: 4
• Broiler wings: 4
• Finely chopped dry roasted peanuts, jackets removed: 1 cup
• Fine dry bread crumbs: ½ cup
• Broth: ¼ cup
• Salt: 1¼ teaspoons
• Poultry seasoning: ½ teaspoon
• Pepper: as per taste

Directions

• In a bowl, mix together peanuts, crumbs, and the seasoning.
• Next, dip the chicken pieces in the broth, followed by coating it with the peanut mixture.
• Now place them on a foil-lined pan in a single layer.

• Put it in the oven, and bake it at a temperature of 400°F for 40 minutes till the chicken becomes tender.
• Ensure to not turn the chicken during baking.

After 40 minutes, the 'pea'nutty chicken is ready to be devoured on!

Things Required

• Boneless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips: 4
• Water: 4 cups
• Broccoli florets: 2½ cups
• Uncooked white rice: 2 cups
• Green onions, chopped: ¾ cup
• Dry roasted peanuts (unsalted): ⅓ cup

• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Chopped garlic: 3 tablespoons
• Creamy peanut butter: 2 tablespoons
• Chopped fresh ginger roots: 1½ tablespoons
• White wine vinegar: 2 teaspoons
• Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon

Directions

• Over a medium flame, boil the rice in a saucepan. Next, reduce the flame, cover the pan, and let it simmer for the next 20 minutes till the rice becomes tender.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Keep it aside for sometime.

• Next, heat oil in a pan over a high flame. Add the chicken pieces, garlic, and ginger. Keep stirring it until the chicken is golden brown on the outside. This will take about 5 minutes.

• Next, reduce the heat to medium and put in green onions, broccoli, peanuts, and the peanut butter mixture. Keep stirring for 5 minutes until the broccoli and chicken turn a little tender.

Serve this with rice and enjoy!

• These nuts contain a good amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which help in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
• It is an extremely rich source of plant protein. It is known to contain high concentrations of the antioxidant 'polyphenols' which inhibit the growth of free radicals, thereby keeping infections at bay.

• Peanuts are a rich source of minerals such as calcium, sodium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, etc.

• These nuts are a source of essential vitamins that facilitate bone and tissue formation, regulate metabolism, and help in the conversion of fats and carbohydrates to energy. As it is a rich source of folate, groundnuts help in reducing the incidence of anemia and birth defects.

• These nuts lower the risk of weight gain, and are also known to prevent gallstones.
• They protect against age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

1 peanut: 6 calories
1 ounce peanuts: 166 calories
1 cup of dry roasted salted peanuts: 854 calories

So, now go ahead and add this very beneficial peanut in different dishes, and feel your senses go 'nuts' out of a feeling of sheer ecstasy.