Peanut butter has this magical way of making everything better—toast, smoothies, or just straight from the jar. I remember the time I tried making it at home for the first time; the kitchen smelled like a peanut wonderland. It’s weirdly satisfying and surprisingly easy, almost like discovering your favorite band at a small gig before they go mainstream.
Steps
- Place dry roasted peanuts into the bowl of a medium food processor.
- Begin processing the peanuts, stopping every 30 seconds to 1 minute to scrape down the sides and prevent the motor from overheating.
- Initially, the peanuts will form a coarse, chunky mixture.
- Continue processing, allowing the mixture to thicken into a shaggy ball.
- Keep the processor running until the peanuts transform into a smooth, creamy peanut butter.
- If using unsalted peanuts, add sea salt to taste once the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer the peanut butter into an airtight container or jar for storage.
- Store the peanut butter at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
- Sea salt, to taste (optional, if using unsalted peanuts)
FAQ
- How long does it take to make homemade peanut butter?
- The entire process takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes, with intermittent pauses to scrape the bowl and let the food processor cool down.
- What ingredients are needed for homemade peanut butter?
- You just need dry roasted peanuts, and optionally, salt if you are using unsalted peanuts.
- How should I store homemade peanut butter, and how long does it last?
- Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month.
- Can I use any food processor size for this recipe?
- The amount of peanuts should match the size of your food processor. For a 7-cup processor, use 3 cups of peanuts. Larger processors may require more peanuts for a good blend.
- Do I need to add any oil to the peanut butter?
- No additional oil is necessary, as the peanuts will eventually blend into a smooth, creamy butter on their own.
Tips
- Be patient while making peanut butter, as it requires almost 10 minutes of processing time. The peanuts will start chunky, form a ball, and eventually turn into a creamy spread.
- To prevent your food processor from overheating, stop it every 30 seconds to 1 minute. This also gives you a chance to scrape down the sides for even blending.
- Adjust the quantity of peanuts based on the size of your food processor. For a 7-cup processor, 3 cups of peanuts work well, but larger processors may need more nuts for a smooth finish.
- Use dry roasted peanuts, adding salt if your peanuts are unsalted, to achieve the desired flavor. There’s no need to add any oils, as the peanuts will naturally become creamy.
Equipment
- Food Processor (7-cup capacity recommended, such as Cuisinart or KitchenAid)
