Groundnut bread, also known as peanut bread, is a delicious and nutritious bread option that has gained popularity worldwide. This bread is made from groundnuts, which are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Groundnut bread is perfect for those who are looking for a gluten-free or low-gluten option, and it is also an excellent choice for people who want to reduce their carbohydrate intake. In this article, we will take you through the process of making groundnut bread, from preparing the ingredients to baking the final product.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of groundnuts (peanuts)
- 1 cup of almond flour or coconut flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Equipment:
- A blender or food processor
- A mixing bowl
- A measuring cup
- A whisk
- A rubber spatula
- A 9×5-inch loaf pan
- A baking sheet
- An oven thermometer
1: Preparing the Groundnuts
The first step in making groundnut bread is to prepare the groundnuts. If you are using raw groundnuts, you will need to roast them in the oven before grinding them. To roast the groundnuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the groundnuts on a baking sheet and roast them for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Allow the groundnuts to cool completely before grinding them.
Once the groundnuts are cool, grind them in a blender or food processor until they are finely ground. Sift the groundnuts through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or large pieces.
2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour or coconut flour, sugar or honey, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, melted coconut oil or unsalted butter, and vanilla extract (if using).
4: Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Add the groundnuts to the dough and mix until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
6: Proofing the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7: Shaping the Dough
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a 9×5-inch loaf pan and smooth the top.
8: Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9: Cooling the Bread
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
- To add flavor to your groundnut bread, you can add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough.
- To make a gluten-free groundnut bread, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour or coconut flour.
- To make a low-carb groundnut bread, use a low-carb flour blend and reduce the amount of sugar or honey in the recipe.
- To make a vegan groundnut bread, use a flax egg instead of a large egg and replace the honey with a vegan sweetener.
Nutritional Benefits of Groundnut Bread
- High in protein: Groundnuts are a good source of protein, making groundnut bread an excellent option for those who want to increase their protein intake.
- Rich in fiber: Groundnuts are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion.
- Healthy fats: Groundnuts are rich in healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Gluten-free: Groundnut bread is gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those who have gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
READ MORE: Perfect Bread and Fried Egg: The Ultimate Breakfast Guide