Nut Butters

When nuts are used as a thickener, they are often puréed into nut butters. To prepare a nut butter, purée peeled and lightly toasted nuts in a food processor for 3 to 5 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to scrape the sides with a rubber spatula. To produce 1 cup (250 milliliters) of nut butter, use 8 ounces (250 grams) of nuts. Nut butters can be used to give a velvety texture to sauces that might otherwise be thickened with cream, butter, or starch. The subtle flavor of nuts goes especially well with spices and curries.