How to Crush Peanuts: 10 Steps
Peanuts are a versatile and delicious snack that can be used in a variety of recipes. Crushing them can help incorporate their flavor and texture into dishes, or be used as a garnish. Follow these 10 easy steps to crush peanuts like a pro.
1. Gather your supplies: To crush peanuts, you’ll need peanuts, a cutting board, a chef’s knife, or any other sturdy knife with a wide blade, and a clean kitchen towel.
2. Measure out the amount of peanuts you want to crush. This will depend on your recipe or personal preference.
3. Shell the peanuts: Remove the outer shell from the peanuts if they’re still in their shells. Discard the shells and set the shelled peanuts aside.
4. Place the shelled peanuts on the cutting board and arrange them in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between the peanuts for easier chopping.
5. Cover the peanuts with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from flying off while you’re crushing them.
6. Hold your chef’s knife with one hand on the handle and the other pressing firmly down on top of the blade to keep it stable on the cutting board.
7. Carefully crush the peanuts using the wide side of your knife. Apply enough pressure with your hand on top of the knife to crush them but not too much that they turn into peanut butter.
8. Once all of the peanuts are crushed, use the knife to finely chop them if smaller pieces are desired for your recipe.
9. Carefully transfer the chopped peanuts from your cutting board into a bowl or container using your knife or a bench scraper.
10. Clean up and store any leftovers: If you have leftover crushed peanuts, store them in an airtight container in your pantry for up to three months or in your refrigerator for up to six months.
Crushing peanuts can elevate your recipes, making them truly memorable. With these easy steps, you can quickly add crushed peanuts to your favorite dishes or create new masterpieces in the kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delightful taste of crushed peanuts!