Spicy Masala Peanuts Recipe – Easy Indian Snack with Black Salt

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Masala Peanuts Recipe – Easy Indian Snack With Black Salt

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and satisfying snack on hand. And honestly, nothing beats a crunchy, flavorful handful of masala peanuts. This recipe is a total game-changer – super easy, incredibly addictive, and perfect for any time of day. I first made these for a Diwali get-together and they disappeared within minutes! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These spicy masala peanuts are the perfect blend of crunchy, savory, sweet, and tangy. They’re ready in under 15 minutes, require minimal ingredients, and are a fantastic alternative to store-bought snacks. Plus, the aroma while they’re roasting? Divine! Seriously, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious peanuts:

• 1 cup Roasted Peanuts (about 150g)
• 1 tablespoon Oil (about 15ml)
• 1 teaspoon Chilly Powder (about 5g)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Mango Powder (Amchur) (about 5g)
• ½ teaspoon Black Salt (Kala Namak) (about 3g)
• 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (about 12g)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Roasted Peanuts: Choosing the Right Roast

Using pre-roasted peanuts is key here for convenience. You want them nicely roasted, but not burnt! If you’re roasting them yourself, aim for a light golden brown color.

Chilly Powder: Regional Variations & Heat Levels

Indian chilly powder varies a lot in heat. Kashmiri chilli powder will give you a vibrant color with mild heat, while other varieties can be quite spicy. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.

Dried Mango Powder (Amchur): Flavor Profile & Substitutes

Amchur adds a lovely tangy flavor that balances the spice. If you can’t find it, a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon) can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Black Salt (Kala Namak): Unique Flavor & Health Benefits

Don’t skip the black salt! It has a unique sulfurous flavor that really elevates these peanuts. It’s also believed to have digestive benefits in Ayurveda. If you absolutely can’t find it, regular salt will do, but it won’t have that signature taste.

Oil: Best Oils for Flavor & Frying

I prefer using a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or vegetable oil. You could also use peanut oil for an extra nutty flavor!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, peel the roasted peanuts if their skins haven’t already come off. Set them aside.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over low flame. This is important – we don’t want to burn the peanuts!
3. Add the peanuts to the pan and sauté gently for a minute or two, just to warm them through.
4. Now, add the chilly powder, dried mango powder, black salt, powdered sugar, and regular salt.
5. Mix everything really well, making sure all the peanuts are evenly coated with the spice mix.
6. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and let the peanuts cool completely in the open pan. This ensures they stay crispy.

Expert Tips

• Low and Slow: Keep the heat low while sautéing to prevent burning.
• Even Coating: The key to flavorful peanuts is ensuring every single one is coated in the spice mix.
• Cooling is Crucial: Don’t skip the cooling step! It’s what makes them perfectly crunchy.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up (pun intended!).

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re very strict.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My family loves it spicy, but you can easily reduce the chilly powder for a milder flavor.
• Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi): These are always a hit during festivals. I sometimes add a pinch of turmeric for a beautiful golden color during Diwali. My friend, Priya, likes to add a sprinkle of chaat masala for Holi!

Storage Duration & Maintaining Freshness

Store these masala peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. They tend to lose their crunch over time, so it’s best to enjoy them within the first week for maximum crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, these are perfect straight out of the container! But they’re also great:

• As a topping for salads or chaat.
• Mixed into trail mix.
• Served alongside a cup of chai.

Storage Instructions

Make sure your container is completely airtight. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of peanuts work best for this recipe?

Pre-roasted, skin-on or skin-off peanuts both work well. Just make sure they’re nicely roasted!

Can I adjust the spice level to make it milder?

Absolutely! Start with ½ teaspoon of chilly powder and taste as you go.

What is black salt and can I substitute it?

Black salt (kala namak) has a unique sulfurous flavor. Regular salt can be used, but it won’t have the same distinctive taste.

How long do these masala peanuts stay fresh?

Up to 3 weeks in an airtight container, but they’re best enjoyed within the first week for maximum crunch.

Can I make this recipe with other nuts like cashews or almonds?

Yes! Cashews and almonds work beautifully. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they cook a bit faster than peanuts.