Peanut Butter in Global Cuisines

While peanut butter is often associated with American sandwiches, it has long been a staple in many global cuisines. In West African cooking, peanut butter forms the base of rich, spicy stews. Thai cuisine incorporates peanut butter into savory sauces for noodles and satay. Even in Chinese Sichuan cooking, peanut butter is used to create complex, spicy-nutty flavors. By exploring these culinary traditions, home cooks can discover new ways to incorporate peanut butter into their savory repertoire.

Savory Peanut Butter Sauces and Dressings

One of the easiest ways to introduce peanut butter into savory dishes is through sauces and dressings. A simple peanut sauce can transform grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cold noodle salads. Try blending peanut butter with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of honey for a quick and delicious Asian-inspired sauce. For a creamy salad dressing, whisk peanut butter with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. These versatile sauces can add a nutty richness to a variety of dishes.

Peanut Butter in Main Courses

Incorporating peanut butter into main courses can add unexpected depth and richness to your meals. Try marinating chicken in a mixture of peanut butter, lime juice, and spices before grilling for a unique twist on barbecue. For a vegetarian option, blend peanut butter into a curry sauce for roasted vegetables. You can even use peanut butter to thicken and enrich soups and stews, much like West African groundnut stew. The key is to balance the peanut butter’s richness with acidic and spicy elements.

Peanut Butter Cocktails and Savory Snacks

The savory peanut butter trend extends beyond main courses into the realm of cocktails and snacks. Innovative bartenders are incorporating peanut butter into savory cocktails, often paired with whiskey or rum for a nutty twist on classic drinks. For snacks, try making savory peanut butter crackers seasoned with herbs and spices, or use peanut butter as a base for a spicy dip. These unique applications showcase peanut butter’s versatility and ability to surprise and delight the palate.

Savory Peanut Butter Tips & Facts

• Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter for savory applications

• Balance peanut butter’s richness with acidic ingredients like lime or vinegar

• Peanut butter can replace tahini in many Middle Eastern recipes

• Peanut butter contains more protein than any other nut or legume

• In savory dishes, peanut butter pairs well with garlic, ginger, and chili

• Peanut butter can be used as a vegan substitute for heavy cream in soups

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, peanut butter’s potential in savory cooking is vast and largely untapped. By thinking beyond traditional sweet applications, we open up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re creating a complex sauce, enriching a stew, or crafting a unique cocktail, peanut butter can add depth, richness, and unexpected flavor to your savory creations. So next time you reach for that jar of peanut butter, consider taking a savory adventure. Your taste buds will thank you for the delicious journey into this nutty new frontier.