Interestingly, not many of us are aware that the legume family, it is in fact more closely related to the pea, thus the name peanut.
Peanuts grow under the ground hence; the term groundnut is used for the unshelled variety. While groundnuts are widely available in India, they are believed to have originated in South America. Portuguese traders were the first to take peanuts to Europe, Asia and Africa.
Grown extensively in many rural areas of India, guests are served peanuts that are freshly roasted along with hot snacks and freshly brewed tea. The peanut is not a glamorous ingredient, but it is certainly the most versatile. Here are some ways in which peanuts are used as food.
Indian cooking: most Indian regional cooking is not complete without peanuts. It finds use across the country in various cuisines, ranging from the simple to the exotic. The south Indians combine peanuts with other spices t create basic masalas. Maharashtrians include peanuts in their chutney and various spice powders. Throughout the nation, peanuts are added to green chutneys for the extra flavor. Many households prepare singhdana subzis to be relished with rotis. Boiled or roasted peanuts are used as garnishes. Indian peanuts are fondly called ‘chakhna’ meaning cocktail snacks. Groundnut oil is also used for daily cooking.
Chikkis: the first chikki was made using the cheapest nut available; that is peanut. Though today chikkis are available in many varieties and made with various and made with various nuts, nothing can beat a chikki.
Peanut butter: peanut butter is a paste made from well-roasted peanuts that are ground along with some oil or butter. Peanut butter is very popular in the US and in the same manner that the Indians are fond of bread and jam; the Americans live on peanut butter sandwiches. Peanut butter at times is also used to make some desserts of salad dressings. Though the process of making peanut butter seems easy, the difficult part is storing it. It is quite likely for the peanut solids and the fat to separate of prepared at home. Thus, if the intention is to store peanut butter for long, it’s advisable to opt for a commercially available one.
Why peanuts are good?
Well, most won’t agree that peanuts are beneficial health wise due to various s reasons; however, peanuts do have some good things in store. Peanuts are a good source of antioxidants, niacin, vitamin E, unsaturated fat, bioflavins, and proteins. Peanuts are also believed to lower the risk of heart disease and provide protection from several types of cancer. However, many people are prone to peanut allergies.
It is the protein found in peanuts that react in the body to develop allergies. Peanut allergies are the most common causes of death h by food in US. Some people can even have reaction just from inhaling the aroma of peanuts.
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