Who doesn’t love a good PB&J sandwich? Have it as a snack, for lunch, or even for dinner, it’s perfect at all times. The only downside is that the store-bought ones are often packed with artificial sugars. But did you know that making peanut butter at home can actually turn it into a healthy treat? Here’s how to make your own peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Without a Food Processor
Here’s what you’ll need to make homemade creamy peanut butter without a food processor:
- 2 cups of raw peanuts (unsalted or lightly salted)
- 1-2 tablespoons of peanut oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or any neutral oil
- Salt (optional)
- Honey or sweeteners (optional)
- A sturdy mortar and pestle
- A heavy-duty blender or hand mixer
- A bowl
- Airtight container
Once you’ve got everything, follow this simple homemade peanut butter recipe:
Step 1: Choose the Right Peanuts
Start with roasted peanuts. You can buy them pre-roasted, but keep in mind that this version usually comes with added oils or salt. If you want to roast them yourself, you’ll need to buy raw unsalted peanuts. To roast, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re fragrant. Allow them to cool and peel the skins off by rubbing them between your hands. Most of the skins will slip off. Chop them into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Smash the Dry Roasted Peanuts
It’s time to start smashing the peanuts. You will need a mortar and pestle to do this or if you don’t have one, you’ll need a large rolling pin or a heavy object like a cast iron pan. Use firm pressure and a circular motion if you’re using a mortar and pestle. Take your time here. Continue smashing till the chopped peanuts have a powder-like consistency. If you want crunchy peanut butter, crush till at least 80% of the butter is in a powder form and the rest is chunky.
Step 3: Add Oil and Salt
Once the peanuts are mashed into a paste, add a tablespoon of oil. Add the oil in small amounts. Stir and crush until you have a smooth peanut butter. Once you’ve done this, add a pinch of salt or a small amount of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter peanut butter. Be careful when adding honey, it will thicken the mixture. You can also add melted chocolate or cocoa powder if you want chocolate peanut butter.
Step 4: Store Homemade Peanut Butter
Transfer your homemade peanut butter into a clean, airtight jar. Keep it in the fridge if you plan on using it over a couple of weeks. If you use it regularly, you can store it at room temperature storage for up to a week. Stir it before each use, as natural peanut butter tends to separate over time.
Can You Make Other Nut Butters?
Of course, you can. You can try to make almond or cashew butter. The process will vary a little bit. To start off, just like with peanuts, start with raw or roasted, unsalted nuts. You can then roast them yourself. Next, chop and smash the nuts using the same method mentioned above. Add a small drizzle of neutral oil (like almond or coconut oil). You can skip this for cashew butter since it tends to release oils during the smashing process. To alter and improve the taste, add a small spoonful of honey or agave along with a pinch of salt.
Summary
Making homemade peanut butter without a food processor is super easy. All you need to do is follow the steps above. Give it a try and enjoy a healthier PB&J!
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