March 28, 2024

Protein Punch for Summer!

Posted on July 1, 2016 by in A Gracious Plenty, GPlenty

July2016AsianSlaw

Asian Peanut Slaw

If you’re looking for a fresh way to pack more nutritious protein into this summer’s family cookouts, consider cooking with a plant-based protein such as peanuts or peanut butter.

You may think of peanuts as a tasty and convenient snack food — and that they are —especially in a trail mix to refuel after some fun in the sun, but peanuts and peanut butter are actually part of the protein food group.

In fact, peanuts and peanut butter have more protein than any other nut and are rich in healthy oils, fiber, many important vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients. The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest eating at least two servings of peanuts a week as part of a healthy diet.

Getting your weekly servings is easy when you explore the variety of ways you can cook with peanuts and peanut butter. The unique flavor of peanuts and peanut butter adds depth and fulfillment, in addition to quality nutrients.

Asian Peanut Slaw

1 can (11 ounces) mandarin orangesJuly2016AsianSlaw

1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts

1 bag (16 ounces) three-color deli slaw mix

chow mein noodles

Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges.

Add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper, and whisk until well-blended.

Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix, and toss until thoroughly coated.

Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving.

Beef Kabobs with Peanut SauceJuly2016BeefKabobs

2 teaspoons curry powder

2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon light brown sugar, plus 2 teaspoons

1 teaspoon chili powder, divided

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

1 pound beef fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 small onion, grated

1 cup coconut milk

8 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter

8 skewers

assorted vegetables (optional)

In bowl, mix curry powder, sesame oil, lime juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Add in beef cubes and toss to evenly coat.

Cover and leave in fridge to marinate at least 30 minutes, or as long as overnight.

Soak skewers in water.

Heat broiler or grill to medium-high heat.

Before cooking beef, mix remaining chili powder, remaining soy sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, onion, coconut milk and peanut butter in saucepan. Stir sauce frequently over medium heat until simmering. Cover and remove from heat, but keep warm.

Thread beef cubes on skewers. Add your favorite vegetables to skewers prior to cooking, if desired. Broil or grill kabobs. Set broiler pan so surface of beef is 3-4 inches from heat. Broil 7-9 minutes on high heat, turning once, for medium rare to rare.

If grilling, heat grill to medium-high heat and grill about 7-10 minutes.

Serve with warm peanut dipping sauce.

Peach Peanut Salsa

1 pound ripe firm peaches, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

3 ounces lightly salted dry roasted peanuts

1/3 cup chopped white onion

1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1/4 teaspoon salt

In bowl, combine peaches, tomatoes, peanuts, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro and salt.

Mix well and let stand at least 30 minutes before serving.

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