The Inexpensive Pantry Staple That Makes Everything Taste Better

Peanut butter is everything: savory and sweet, fatty and salty, crunchy and creamy. Its uses are truly endless, serving as the basis of stews, sauces, chilis, chutneys, and, of course, desserts.

Peanuts, also known as goobers, ground nuts, or monkey nuts, are nutritionally dense, rich in both healthy fats and plant-based protein. Peanuts and peanut butter have long shelf lives, are inexpensive, and can add a tasty new dimension to any number of recipes.

Sure, you can eat peanuts by the handful (or spoonful), but then you’d be missing out on the peanut’s wildly diverse culinary applications.

This Monday, branch out and do some experimenting by making any one of these novel peanut recipes.

Overnight Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal

A dollop of peanut butter transforms a bowl of oatmeal from meh to mmmmm. This oatmeal is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect was to start your morning.

For the Overnight Apple Peanut Butter Oatmeal, click here.

Peanut Butter Chili with Pinto Beans

The secret to this smooth, salty, dreamy chili is a cup of creamy peanut butter. Try it and taste the magic for yourself.

For the Peanut Butter Chili with Pinto Beans recipe, click here.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes

The best of breakfast collides with a lunch box staple. A great meal for kids, adults, and adults who act like kids.

For the Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes recipe, click here.

Peanut Noodles

Packed with plant protein, this flavorful noodle dish incorporates unique Southeast Asian ingredients like sambhal olek (Indoenisan chile sauce) and Sichuan peppercorns. Give it a try if you want to put your taste buds on an adventure.

For the Peanut Noodles recipe, click here.

Spicy Peanut Chutney

Top soups, pastas, stews, or sandwiches with this delightful blend of roasted peanuts, garlic, sesame seeds, coconut, and chile flake. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and spicy.

For the Spicy Peanut Chutney recipe, click here.

Sweet Potato Peanut Stew

Creamy and decadent, you can whip up this West African stew in under 30 minutes. This recipe is based on one from Iba Thiam, chef and owner of Cazamance restaurant in Austin, Texas, and it is one of the recipes in Oldways’ A Taste of African Heritage cooking program.

For the Sweet Potato Peanut Stew recipe, click here.

Thai Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Light and refreshing, serve these Thai spring rolls as an appetizer or in place of a salad. The peanut dipping sauce adds a tangy punch of flavor.

For the Thai Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce, click here.

Click here for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.