Peanuts

The peanut, or groundnut are the best sources of protein. Peanuts are good source of manganese, tryptophan, vitamin B3, folate, copper and protein.

It can be eaten salted, dry roasted, boiled and even raw. They can be found in peanut brittle, peanut butter and candy bars and is often a major ingredient in mixed nuts.

Creamy Peanut Soup

Ingredients: 2 ribs celery (chopped), 1/4 cup chopped onion, 4tbs butter, 3tbs flour, 4 cups chicken broth, warm, 1 1/4 cups peanut butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2tsp lemon juice, 1/2tsp salt, 1/4tsp celery salt, ground peanuts (for garnish), sliced green onion (for garnish). Method: Take a large pan, saute the celery and onion in the butter for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add flour, stirring until blended and bubbly. Add warm chicken broth and stir, over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the peanut butter, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt and celery salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until hot. Serve hot in soup bowls, sprinkled with ground peanuts and sliced green onions.

Boiled Peanuts

Ingredients: 3 cups peanuts (raw and in the shell), 6 cups water, 2 1/2tsp salt. Method: Take peanuts (in shell), water and salt in a large pan and boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. When peanuts are done, the peanuts should haveswollen to fill the pods. The peanuts will be somewhat chewy. Serve hot in the shell.

Quick serving ideas

Add peanuts to healthy sauteed chicken and vegetables.

Sprinkle peanuts onto tossed salads.

Combine sliced green cabbage, grated ginger, Serrano chilis and peanuts to prepare a simple southeastern Asian salad. Toss with olive oil and soy sauce dressing.

Sandwich: Try peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and honey, or peanut butter and chopped apple, pear and/or raisins.