Peanuts & Peanut Butter: Sweet, Savory, and Surprisingly Versatile

Domesticated in South America by 1500 BCE, peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) traveled to Africa, Europe, and colonial America—first as livestock feed and oil source. Barnum & Bailey popularized roasted peanuts; the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair introduced peanut butter. Today, they're a protein-packed (7g/oz), fiber-rich, monounsaturated-fat pantry staple—assuming no allergies.

Three Recipes to Change Your Peanut Game

Sweet Potato Peanut Stew (West African-Inspired)

Serves 4–6

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups sweet potato, ½-inch dice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
• ⅛ tsp cayenne (optional)
• Salt, pepper
• 2 Tbsp chopped roasted peanuts (garnish)

Sauté onion/garlic 5 min. Add sweet potato 2 min. Add broth; boil, simmer 20 min until tender. Whisk in peanut butter, cayenne, season. Simmer 5 min. Purée half (or all) for creaminess. Garnish with peanuts.

Peanut Dipping Sauce (Thai-Style)

Great with satay, spring rolls, noodles

• 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup water
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 3 Tbsp sweet chili sauce (sriracha)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• Chopped peanuts, cilantro (garnish)

Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Adjust consistency with water. Garnish.

Sweet-Spicy Roasted Peanuts

Addictive party snack

• 1 cup raw skinless peanuts
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp curry powder
• Pinch salt

Toast peanuts in skillet 4–5 min until fragrant. Toss with butter, honey, spices, salt. Spread on parchment; cool completely. Break clusters.

Quick Ideas

• Stir 2 Tbsp peanut butter into morning smoothie.
• Top waffles/oatmeal with chopped peanuts + honey.
• Toss into Asian slaw (shredded cabbage, carrots, sesame dressing).
• Graham cracker + peanut butter = classic kid snack.

Inexpensive, shelf-stable, endlessly adaptable—peanuts deserve a permanent spot in your pantry.