With American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day happening at the same time, we thought this would be a great chance to share some of our favorite healthy recipes — in the form of a three course meal that’s packed with flavor, and the heart healthy nutrients of peanuts.
Why Peanuts?
Besides being rich in benefits like helping you live a longer life, keeping your mind sharp with age and supporting healthy weight management, peanuts are the perfect staple food for experienced and new chefs alike:
- They’re a nutrient-packed whole food that helps you add some deliciously simple flavor to savory AND sweet recipes (which you’ll see below).
- If you’re on a budget, they can help “stretch” lighter meals into more satisfying dishes, thanks to their high protein and low cost.
- Peanuts also have a pretty impressive shelf life, lasting for months (or even years) when stored properly. (But of course, you’ll still want to be aware of their “best by” date.)
First Course
Peanut and Butternut Squash Soup
Peanuts can help make just about any soup into a hearty (and heart healthy) meal, but when combined with the light flavor of butternut squash, it becomes the perfect start for a beautiful Valentine’s dinner.
Besides being delicious, we also chose this recipe for a very practical reason: Slow cookers are a great way to multitask while you’re preparing other courses of a large meal. Plus, that will give plenty of time for all the flavors to melt together into a velvety-smooth dream, and fill your home with a rich, nutty aroma.
Main Course
Instant Pot Chicken Peanut Satay
This savory recipe from our friend Carmy proves you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal, even without going crazy on the calories — especially when paired with something as simple as steamed rice, or lightly seasoned broccoli. You’ll be getting plenty of protein and fiber, plus the added nutrients, vitamins and minerals of the peanuts and peanut butter. To us, that’s what takes things from good to gourmet (if we can be so bold).
But if you’re looking for a meat-free option, look no further than this recipe for Veggie Peanut Satay Noodles — featuring your favorite veggies in a creamy peanut butter sauce.
Dessert
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Tart
After two savory courses, it’s time to enjoy the sweeter side of peanuts. This light, fluffy mousse combines two of the all-time great sweet combinations — peanut butter and chocolate — which just makes sense for celebrating a pairing as perfect as you and your sweetie.
If chocolate isn’t your favorite, you can also check out the dessert section of our website for more sweet-tooth inspired recipes.
Bon Appétit!
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean avoiding the foods you love, and peanuts provide an easy, affordable way to include extra nutrition into your daily diet. And to us, that’s worth celebrating any time of year.
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