Add More Peanuts To Your Diet! Here's How You Can Do It

Peanuts or 'mungfali', as it's more popularly known, is one of the most commonly used legumes in India; especially in culinary preparations. This versatile ingredient not only adds a crunch to a plethora of preparations, but also has various health properties. Peanuts may be legumes but possess the properties of nuts like almonds and walnuts, which also make them, in a way,a part of the nuts family. Peanuts can be roasted, added in curries, salads, snacks and what not. They not only add to the taste, but also a nice, nutty texture to the food. So the next time you keep a stock of peanuts, make sure you add them in the following delicacies making them totally delish. 1. SaladsToss your favourite greens and veggies and top them with a peanut dressing and take it a notch up. Salads can be boring, but a layer of crunch will not disappoint you. You can try these amazing recipes which use peanuts as important ingredient. Carrot & Peanut Salad Recipe, Cucumber and Peanut Salad Recipe, Carrot, Peanut and Prune Salad Recipe and Peanut and Pineapple Salad Recipe. Don't wait, step into the kitchen right away!2. ChikkiTalk about winter desserts and chikki and gajak instantly come to mind. Chikki which is primarily prepared with jaggery and lots of peanuts makes for a warm and wintery sweet. Although there are a lot of varieties of chikki available in the market using different ingredients like sesame, puffed rice, coconut, et al, but peanut chikki remains a perennial favourite. The mix of sweet and slight salty makes it just perfect. Here's a recipe of peanut chikki that you can try making at home.
 _{Talk about winter desserts and chikki and gajak instantly come to mind}3. ChutneyApart from the coconut chutney consumed in most South Indian delicacies, peanut chutney also makes an important part of a lavish spread. Dry peanut chutney is also enjoyed in Maharashtra. It goes well with idli, dosa, uttappam and even parathas.4. Peanut ButterWho doesn't love peanut butter? After all it makes a perfect spread for your breads and boring parathas. Bonus, you can make your own peanut butter in just about two minutes, it is healthier than the commercial ones. All you need to do is to blend some roasted peanuts, vegetable oil, sugar and salt in it and voila! Your peanut butter is ready. Here's the recipe of our two minute peanut butter.
 _{Who doesn't love peanut butter? After all it makes a perfect spread​}5. SnackNumerous snacks and breakfast dishes in Maharashtra, most of South India and Gujarat have peanuts in them; which include, Poha, Upma, Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Vada and so on. Peanuts make an essential part of these dishes. And what about a handful of plain peanuts? Roasted and seasoned with some salt and pepper. Yummy and enjoyed through the year. 6. Trail mixPrepare whichever trail mix you'd like and add a handful of peanuts to make the mix extra special and healthy. Toss them with all the nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, et al. and of course some dried fruits and seeds to make it even healthier. Munch on the trail mix as and when you feel hungry.
 _{Prepare whichever trail mix you'd like and add a handful of peanuts}7. ChocolatesWhat's a chocolate without crunch? While you can buy chocolate coated peanuts, you can also make them at home. All you need to do is to heat a bowlful of chocolate till it melts and add a handful of peanuts and let it cool. Once refrigerated, cut them into bite-sized pieces and munch on at any time.8. DalPeanuts are added in one of the Gujarati Dals, which is sweet, sour and crunchy lentil curry with peanuts and tangy tomatoes. This flavourful dal is best eaten with roti or rice and a side dish like potato roast.These irresistible legumes cum nuts are worth our attention; so go ahead and add some crunchy goodness to your food.