Hot Peanuts are a flavorful and spicy snack that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something crunchy and satisfying. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a straightforward cooking method to deliver a delicious treat with a kick.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pound (about 450 grams) raw peanuts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming approximately 8 servings):
- Calories: 676
- Fat: 59.2g
- Saturated Fat: 8.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 9.8g
- Sugars: 4.6g
- Protein: 29.4g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your peanuts will bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
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Prepare Spices and Peanuts:
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, hot red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their flavors into the oil.
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Coat Peanuts: Once the spices are aromatic, add the raw peanuts to the saucepan. Stir well to coat the peanuts evenly with the spicy oil mixture. Continue stirring for another minute to ensure the peanuts are well-coated.
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Bake Peanuts: Transfer the seasoned peanuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread them out into a single layer to ensure even baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the peanuts for 20-25 minutes. Stir the peanuts occasionally during baking to prevent them from sticking and to ensure they toast evenly to a light golden brown color.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the peanuts from the oven and transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool completely before serving. The peanuts will crisp up further as they cool.
Tips for Serving:
- Serve these hot peanuts as a snack on their own or as part of a larger spread for gatherings.
- Package them in small jars or containers for a thoughtful homemade gift idea.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Storage:
- Store cooled hot peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their crunchiness.
Variations:
- For a sweeter twist, you can add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the oil mixture before tossing with the peanuts.
- Experiment with different spice blends such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or even curry powder for unique flavor profiles.
Hot Peanuts are not only a delicious snack but also a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a flavorful appetizer to impress guests. The combination of garlic, spicy peppers, and crunchy peanuts makes them irresistible and perfect for any occasion throughout the year.
