Groundnut oil, often called peanut oil, is a versatile and delicious cooking oil used in many different cuisines worldwide for millennia. Apart from its delightful nutty flavour, it has many health benefits and can be used in various cooking methods. In this blog post, we’ll look at groundnut oil, discuss some cooking tips, and give you some delicious recipes to try at home.
What Is Groundnut Oil?
Peanuts, beans and not nuts, are used to make groundnut oil. Pressing the peanuts extracts the oil from the kernels, which is how the oil is produced. As a result of its high smoke point, it is perfect for deep cooking and frying. It also has a unique sweet taste, which makes the food more interesting.
Tips for Cooking with Groundnut Oil
Use for High Heat Cooking: Around 450°F (232°C) is the smoke point of peanut oil, which means it can handle high heat without burning. It’s great for stir-frying, sautéing, and deep-frying because of this.
Enhance Flavor: It can improve the taste of your food as it has a rich, nutty flavour. To make your food more interesting, add it to marinades, sauces, salad dressings, and more.
Health Benefits: Monounsaturated fats are good for your heart and can help reduce cholesterol levels. Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from injury, is also contained.
Store Properly: If you keep it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat, it remains fresh and tastes great. For best results, use it within a few months of opening.
Experiment: Feel free to use it in your recipes. Try replacing it with other oils in your favorite recipes to see how it affects the flavor and texture of food.
For More Blogs:- benefits of cold pressed groundnut oil, benefits of cold pressed castor oil
Recipes using Groundnut Oil
1. Stir-fried vegetables with Groundnut Oil
Ingredients:
- Assorted vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
- Two tablespoons of groundnut oil
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One tablespoon of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Put the groundnut oil in a big pan or wok and heat it over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chopped garlic for 30 seconds or until it smells fragrant.
- Add the vegetables to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft-crisp.
- Add soy sauce to the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Just add salt and pepper as per your liking.
- Heat it and serve with cooked rice as a side or main dish.
2. Thai Peanut Chicken Satay
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1/4 cup groundnut oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Two tablespoons of lime juice
- Two tablespoons honey
- Two cloves of minced garlic
- One teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the groundnut oil, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Put the chicken strips on a wet wooden skewer and place them in a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken skewers and cover them completely.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour or overnight for the best possible flavor.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve chicken satay hot with peanut chutney.
Conclusion
Cooking with groundnut oil adds delicious nutty flavor and depth to your food and is also good for you in many ways. It is great for frying and roasting as it has a high smoke point and can be used in many ways. Try using it in your best recipes and enjoy the rich, delicious food you make.
FAQ’S
What can be cooked with groundnut oil?
Groundnut oil is versatile and can be used in various cooking processes, such as frying, sautéing, and baking. It enhances a variety of meals, including stir-fries, curries, salads, and marinades.
What is the difference between groundnut oil and peanut oil?
Groundnut oil and peanut oil are identical; both are obtained from peanuts. The names are frequently used interchangeably, however groundnut oil is more common in some locations and peanut oil in others.
Can we eat groundnut oil and coconut oil mixed in food?
Yes, groundnut and coconut oils can be combined in meals. This combination can provide a distinct flavour profile to foods, particularly in Asian and tropical cuisines.
What are the benefits of using groundnut oil in your cooking?
Using groundnut oil in cooking has various advantages, including a high smoke point that makes it suited for high-temperature cooking methods. It's also high in monounsaturated fats, which can benefit heart health when consumed in moderation.
Which is the best oil rice, bran oil, or groundnut oil?
Individual tastes, dietary demands, and cooking methods all influence whether rice bran oil, groundnut oil, or another oil is used. Groundnut oil is a popular choice for a variety of meals due to its distinct flavour and adaptability. However, the ideal oil for you is ultimately determined by your preferences and health needs.