Can you tell me please, where do peanuts come in the raw food diet?
I’ve never seen them mentioned, but one of my favourite snacks is what I call Lettuce Boats. These are small lettuce leaves (I find the little gem the perfect size and shape) with a spread of raw organic peanut butter (or avocado), topped with chopped red onion, sprouted beans, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, perhaps a sprinkling of sprouted cress or other such (or anything else I fancy or have available), and pepper/salt to taste – very easy to prepare and eat, and completely yummy.
However, my question remains – why don’t peanuts get a mention in the recipes and information about raw food?
– Gwynn, UK
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Hi Gwynn, great question. I’m so glad you asked!
I am also a fan of peanuts. In answer to your question, I’m not sure why they’re not used often in raw food recipes; I can only guess that it’s because there has been a noticeable amount of bad press around peanuts, in and around allergic reactions, aflotoxins etc. They are a nut (legume, actually) that needs careful storage so as not to develop mould, which is where the problems start, so you want to be sure that the source you obtain them from is a good one.
The good news is, raw peanuts, when stored correctly (if out of their shell they should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer) are not only delicious but extremely nutritious being a good source of niacin, folate, copper, manganese, and protein, with many and varied health benefits.
I’m so glad you raised the question, because as well as sharing your own delicious recipe idea (thank you!) it gives me an opportunity to share some more – and, rather excitingly, how people can make their own raw peanut butter…
How to make raw peanut butter
Equipment: Food processor or strong blender (e.g. Vitamix)
Ingredients:
(Ratio = 1 cup of peanuts: 1 Tablespoon of oil)
- 1 cup raw, shelled peanuts
- 1 tablespoon cold pressed peanut oil/canola oil/olive oil (you can try others as desired)
- Pinch of Celtic sea salt/Himalayan crystal salt, if desired
Directions:
Method 1: Food processor
1) Place the peanuts in your food processor and process until the nuts are finely ground.
2) Add the oil and continue processing until the peanut butter reaches your desired consistency - add more oil if necessary.
3) Taste-test – add salt if you prefer it.
Method 2: Vitamix
- Pour in the oil first and then add the peanuts to the mix.
- Process on full speed until the nuts are ground – you will need to use the tamper to keep pushing the nuts into the mix to get them properly processed.
- Add more oil and continue processing until the peanut butter reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste-test – add salt if you prefer it.
RAW COACH TOP TIPS:
- For chunky peanut butter, stir in some chopped peanuts by hand once you’ve made it.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ways to eat/serve raw peanut butter
- On flax/seed crackers.
- Add a tablespoon to thicken up/add nutrition to a smoothie.
- Fill a celery stick with peanut butter for a delicious and satisfying snack.
- If you’re making or using a raw bread, try peanut butter and banana on top, or peanut butter and honey, or peanut butter and chopped apple, pear and/or raisins. Ooh la la!
- Use as a great base ingredient when creating a raw curry sauce.
And if you want to keep it whole and simple…
- Enjoy a handful of peanuts with a green juice for super-healthful combining.
- Toss sprouted quinoa with a little oil or vinegar, chopped peanuts, spring onions/scallions, red pepper, parsley and raisins for a gorgeous salad.
- Add to any salad in fact!
I hope this helps Gwynn, and thanks again for a great question.
Karen
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