Slow cooker cooking has revolutionized the way many of us approach meal preparation, especially during busy weekdays. Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a meal that's ready to serve, and with peanut butter as the star ingredient, the flavors can become uniquely rich and satisfying. This blog post will introduce you to 5 Easy Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Recipes that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Before diving into the recipes, it’s beneficial to understand why slow cooking with ingredients like peanut butter is a fantastic choice:
- Time-saving: Set it and forget it. Once you’ve added your ingredients, the slow cooker does the work for you, allowing you to go about your day.
- Energy Efficient: Slow cookers use less energy than ovens, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective cooking method.
- Flavor Enhancement: Peanut butter’s rich flavor is fully released over the long cooking period, creating dishes with deep, developed flavors.
- Variety: From main courses to desserts, the slow cooker can handle a wide array of recipes.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Chicken Curry
This recipe combines the classic tastes of curry with the creaminess of peanut butter:
- 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 can (13.5oz) of coconut milk
- 1 cup of natural peanut butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 cup of water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix coconut milk, peanut butter, chopped onion, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, soy sauce, and water. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.
🚩 Note: Adjust the spice levels to your preference, or for a milder curry, skip the chili powder.
Recipe 2: Creamy Peanut Butter Soup
This soup is perfect for cold days and pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
- 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of natural peanut butter
- 1 can (14.5oz) of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except the parsley into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Blend until smooth with an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal
An easy breakfast option that keeps you full:
- 1 cup of steel-cut oats
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk (cow, almond, or any other)
- 1⁄4 cup of peanut butter
- 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Toppings: fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Instructions:
- Combine oats, water, milk, peanut butter, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 4: Peanut Butter Satay
A traditional Asian flavor brought to life with ease in the slow cooker:
- 2 pounds of chicken or tofu, cut into skewer-sized pieces
- 1⁄2 cup of natural peanut butter
- 1⁄2 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sambal oelek or red chili paste
- 1 teaspoon of fish sauce (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Thread the chicken or tofu onto skewers.
- Mix all the other ingredients to make the satay marinade. Pour over the skewers in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking.
🔍 Note: You can use wooden skewers, but soak them in water first to prevent burning.
Recipe 5: No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
End your meal with something sweet, without the fuss:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1⁄2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Line the slow cooker with parchment paper.
- Mix sugar and milk in the slow cooker. Cook on high, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Once dissolved, stir in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
- Cook uncovered on low, stirring occasionally, for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the mixture thickens.
- Pour into a lined dish, smooth the top, and allow it to set for a few hours or overnight.
The use of a slow cooker with peanut butter introduces a new dimension to traditional recipes, enhancing both flavor and convenience. Each of these recipes has shown how versatile and delicious peanut butter can be when given time to infuse its unique taste into various dishes. From savory curries to sweet breakfast oatmeal and even desserts like fudge, these slow cooker peanut butter recipes not only simplify meal prep but also provide a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Can I use smooth or chunky peanut butter?
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You can use either smooth or chunky peanut butter. Smooth peanut butter will give a creamier texture, while chunky adds bits of peanuts for a different mouthfeel. Adjust according to your preference or the recipe’s texture requirements.
Can I substitute peanut butter with almond or other nut butters?
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Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. However, the flavor profile will change, so you might need to adjust seasonings or additional ingredients.
How do I prevent peanut butter from sticking to the slow cooker?
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Line your slow cooker with parchment paper or a liner, or ensure the peanut butter is well mixed with liquid ingredients before adding to the slow cooker to avoid sticking or burning.
