Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) Raw, Shelled Peanuts (Blanched/Unsalted)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Neutral Oil (e.g., Canola, Grapeseed)
- 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt (plus an extra pinch for Classic version)
- 1 tsp Caster Sugar (Optional)
- 1 tsp Dried Chilli Flakes (or Gochugaru)
- 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 tsp Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
- 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/4 cup (30 g) Roasted Pecans, chopped coarsely
- 1 Tbsp Runny Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the raw peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 8–10 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through, until the peanuts are lightly golden and fragrant.
- Transfer the hot peanuts to a large bowl or clean towel and allow them to cool for 10–15 minutes. Warm peanuts blend better, but they shouldn't be piping hot.
- Transfer the warm peanuts and the 1/2 tsp of salt to a high-powered food processor. Pulse a few times to break them up.
- Process continuously. The texture will progress from coarse meal to a clumpy ball (the 'seizing') around 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Continue processing.
- Around 5–7 minutes, the dough will break down into a thick paste. Add the 2 Tbsp of neutral oil. Continue blending until completely smooth, glossy, and runny (total blending time should be around 8–10 minutes).
- Stop the processor. Scoop out exactly 2/3 of the smooth peanut butter base and transfer it into two separate bowls (Bowl A and Bowl B). Leave the remaining 1/3 in the food processor bowl (This will be 'The Classic').
- To the base remaining in the processor ('The Classic'), add the pinch of salt and optional caster sugar. Blend for 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Transfer to Jar 1.
- To the portion in Bowl A ('The Chilli-Lime Kick'), add the chilli flakes, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, and ground ginger. Stir vigorously with a spatula until evenly distributed. Transfer to Jar 2.
- To the portion in Bowl B ('The Honey-Pecan Chunk'), add the honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well, then fold in the coarsely chopped pecans. Transfer to Jar 3.
- Seal the jars tightly. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer storage (note: refrigerated homemade peanut butter will harden).