Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

There are some foods so deeply woven into my childhood that their taste instantly takes me home. For me, a handful of freshly roasted peanuts - or groundnuts, as we called them in Northern Nigeria - is one of those foods. They were everywhere, in every form imaginable and thoughts of them take me back to the groundnut pyramids.

Like other children, I learnt to crack them open with my teeth before my fingers were strong enough. Legendary stories were told by local women as they shelled baskets of peanuts almost as if it were just a pastime.

Roasted peanuts sold in newspaper cones on the roadside, their smoky aroma mingling with the warm evening air. Street vendors pairing them with sweet, crunchy popcorn - a contrast of salty and sweet, soft and crisp, that was utterly addictive - or with roasted plantains made a filling evening meal for commuters.

Peanuts weren’t just a snack; they were a way of life. They were in suya spice mix, lending their nutty depth to fiery skewers of grilled meat. They became kuli-kuli, crunchy and savoury, the perfect bite with a cold drink, and dankwa, a soft, spiced peanut and corn snack with a delicate sweetness. And of course, they found their way into rich, velvety peanut soup, simmered with tomatoes, chilli, and tender pieces of meat—West Africa’s answer to comfort food.

I remember the joy of boiled peanuts, their shells softened in water, revealing a buttery, creamy texture unlike anything else. And then there were the flavoured peanuts—honey roasted for a touch of caramelised sweetness, chilli for a touch of heat, coconut-coated for a tropical twist. Every version brought something different, proving just how versatile this humble little legume really is.

Fast forward to life in the UK, and peanuts still hold their magic. Only now, I see them mostly in the form of peanut butter, the childhood favourite that needs no introduction. But let’s be honest—peanut butter is just one chapter in the book of peanut greatness. There’s so much more to explore, and National Peanut Butter Lovers Day on the 1st of March is the perfect excuse to celebrate this tiny but mighty ingredient.

So, whether you love them salted or sweet, roasted or boiled, blended into butter or sprinkled over dishes, peanuts deserve a place in every kitchen. And what better way to enjoy them than in a snack that works as a grab-n-go breakfast or healthy topping for a dessert.

Peanut Butter & Honey Oat Bars

These soft, chewy bars are perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat with a cup of tea. The combination of peanut butter, Sesame, honey, dark chocolate and oats makes them naturally sweet, satisfying and somewhat healthy.

Ingredients (Makes 12 bars)

200g rolled oats

100g smooth peanut butter

50g Tahini

100g honey

50g butter, melted (turn to brown butter for a nuttier taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp sea salt

50g chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)

50g dark chocolate chips (optional, for indulgence)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan) and line a square baking tin with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, tahini, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Stir in the oats, chopped peanuts, and chocolate chips (if using).

4. Press the mixture firmly into the lined tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges.

6. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

These are great as a grab-and-go snack or crumbled over Greek yoghurt for a delicious breakfast.

So, here’s to peanuts - tiny, powerful, and packed with flavour. They’ve travelled the world, shaped cuisines, and made their way into everything from snacks to sauces, sweets to stews. However you enjoy them, there’s no denying they’re one of the most versatile ingredients out there.

And if, like me, you believe that every meal is a chance to celebrate, then let’s raise a peanut-butter-coated spoon and toast to this glorious little legume. Happy National Peanut Butter Lovers Day—may your day be as rich and satisfying as a spoonful of the good stuff.