Peanut recipes are a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, showing the amazing range of groundnuts. These humble legumes appear in everything from crunchy snacks to rich, complex curries. This guide offers a comprehensive collection of Indian peanut recipes, sorted by category to help you find your next favorite dish. It is a flavorful journey into the world of groundnuts in Indian cooking.
Quick Guide: How to Prepare Peanuts for Cooking
Learning how to prepare peanuts for cooking is the first step to delicious peanut recipes. Roasting raw peanuts brings out their nutty flavor and is essential for many dishes. You can also easily make peanut powder at home, which is a key ingredient in many curries and chutneys.
For roasting, you have two simple methods. A comparison is helpful.
Peanut Roasting: Oven vs. Pan
|
Method |
Temperature/Heat |
Time |
Best For |
|
Oven |
350°F (175°C) |
15-20 minutes |
Large batches, even roasting. |
|
Pan |
Low to Medium |
10-15 minutes |
Small batches, quick results. |
Making peanut powder is another fundamental skill for mastering peanut recipes. A powerful blender is ideal for this task.
How to Make Peanut Powder:
- Roast raw peanuts using either the oven or pan method and let them cool completely. This step is critical; warm peanuts can turn into a paste.
- If your peanuts have skins, rub them between your hands to remove the papery skins.
- Place the cooled, skinned peanuts in a dry blender or spice grinder.
- Pulse the blender in short 5-second bursts. Stop and scrape the sides between pulses to prevent the peanuts from releasing oil and turning into butter.
- Continue this process until you achieve a fine, flour-like powder.
- Let the powder cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three months.
12 Indian Peanut Snacks (Chaat & More)
Indian peanut snacks offer a delightful variety of textures and flavors. Peanut recipes for snacks range from simple roasted nuts to more elaborate preparations. This collection features twelve unique and popular savory snacks that showcase the versatility of groundnuts.
1. Masala Peanuts (Baked, Not Fried)
Baked masala peanuts are a healthy twist on a popular street food snack. This spicy peanut recipe gives you all the crunch without the guilt of deep-frying. The peanuts get a delicious coating of gram flour (besan) and spices before being baked to perfection.
To make baked masala peanuts, you start by preheating your oven. You will create a spice mixture with gram flour, rice flour, chili powder, and chaat masala. Then, you toss raw peanuts in a little oil, followed by the dry spice mix. A small amount of water helps the coating stick. Spread the coated peanuts on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden and crispy.
2. Peanut Chaat
Peanut chaat is a quick and refreshing no-cook snack. This peanut chaat recipe combines boiled or roasted peanuts with fresh, tangy, and spicy ingredients. It’s a perfect example of a simple yet flavorful Indian peanut snack.
Making this peanut chaat involves mixing peanuts with finely chopped onion, tomato, and cilantro. The dressing is a zesty combination of lemon juice and chaat masala, which gives it a signature tangy flavor. Some recipes also include a touch of red chili powder for extra heat. The key is to mix and serve it immediately to keep the peanuts crunchy.
3. Congress Kadlekai
Congress Kadlekai is a spicy peanut recipe from Bengaluru. It is a distinctive snack made with split peanuts, which are fried and then tossed in a special masala. The unique flavor comes from a mix of chili powder, asafoetida, and often, curry leaves. This Indian peanut snack is known for its powerful, savory taste.
4. Boiled Peanut Sundal
Boiled Peanut Sundal is a simple and healthy South Indian snack. This groundnut recipe is especially popular during festivals. It involves boiling raw peanuts until they are soft and then tempering them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. It's a light, nutritious, and flavorful dish.
5. Peanut Vada
Peanut Vada is a crispy, deep-fried fritter that makes for a fantastic tea-time snack. To create this peanut recipe, coarse peanut powder is mixed with onions, green chilies, and gram flour to form a batter. Small portions of the batter are then fried until they turn golden brown. The resulting vada is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
6. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular dish, especially during fasting periods, where peanuts play a crucial role. This recipe features soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana) cooked with roasted and crushed peanuts, boiled potatoes, and simple spices. The roasted groundnuts add a much-needed crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chewy sabudana.
7. Peanut Pakora
Peanut Pakora is a crunchy, savory snack, perfect for a rainy day. This Indian peanut snack recipe involves coating raw peanuts in a thick batter made from gram flour, rice flour, and spices. These coated peanuts are then deep-fried until they are crispy and golden. They are similar to masala peanuts but with a much thicker and more substantial coating.
8. Peanut and Poha Chivda
Peanut and Poha Chivda is a classic dry snack mix. This recipe involves frying or roasting thin flattened rice (poha) until it's crisp. Roasted peanuts, along with other ingredients like cashews, raisins, and curry leaves, are then added. It's a light, crunchy, and savory mix that is easy to store and enjoy anytime.
9. Peanut Tikki
Peanut Tikki is a delicious pan-fried patty. This peanut recipe is made by combining coarsely ground peanuts with mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices. The mixture is shaped into small patties, or tikkis, and then shallow-fried until crisp and golden on both sides. It's a wonderful appetizer or snack.
10. Spiced Boiled Peanuts
Spiced Boiled Peanuts are a simple yet satisfying Indian peanut snack. Unlike the plain boiled peanuts used in other recipes, these are cooked directly with spices. Raw peanuts are boiled in water with turmeric, salt, and sometimes chili powder, absorbing the flavors as they cook. The result is a soft, flavorful, and healthy snack.
11. Hara Bhara Kabab
Hara Bhara Kabab recipes often get an upgrade with the addition of peanuts. While spinach and peas form the base of these green vegetable patties, adding crushed peanuts introduces a wonderful texture and nutty richness. The peanuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft interior of the kabab.
12. Dabeli
Dabeli is a popular street food from Gujarat, and peanut recipes like this one highlight the nut's importance. A special dabeli masala is mixed with mashed potatoes and stuffed into a bread bun (pav). The key to an authentic dabeli is the garnish, which always includes spicy masala peanuts, adding a necessary crunch and flavor to every bite.
8 Indian Peanut Sweets (Chikki, Ladoo & More)
Indian peanut sweets are a delicious category of peanut recipes that transform simple groundnuts into festive treats. From brittle to fudge, these sweets are a celebration of nutty flavors, often combined with jaggery or sugar.
13. Peanut Chikki (Groundnut Brittle)
Peanut chikki is a classic Indian sweet, essentially a brittle made from peanuts and jaggery. A perfect peanut chikki recipe depends on getting the jaggery syrup to the right consistency. It must reach the "hard-ball" stage, which ensures the chikki will be crunchy, not chewy. You can test this by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water; it should form a hard, brittle ball.
14. Peanut Ladoo
Peanut ladoo is a simple, often healthy sweet that can be made with just a few ingredients. This shengdana ladoo recipe typically involves blending roasted peanuts with jaggery until the mixture comes together. [No source] The natural oils from the peanuts help bind the ladoo without needing ghee. Cardamom powder is often added for fragrance.
15. Peanut Katli
Peanut Katli offers a budget-friendly alternative to the popular Kaju Katli (cashew fudge). To make this sweet, you need a fine peanut powder, which is then cooked with sugar syrup until it thickens. The mixture is kneaded into a smooth dough, rolled out, and cut into diamond shapes. Adding a little milk powder can make it even richer.
16. Peanut Holige (Puran Poli)
Peanut Holige, also known as Shengdanyachi Poli, is a stuffed flatbread sweet. This unique groundnut recipe features a sweet filling made from roasted peanuts and jaggery. This filling is stuffed inside a soft dough, which is then rolled thin and cooked on a griddle with ghee until golden brown. It’s a specialty in regions like Karnataka and Maharashtra.
17. Peanut Barfi
Peanut Barfi is a simple fudge-like sweet. This peanut recipe is straightforward: peanut powder is cooked with sugar, milk, and ghee until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. The mixture is then poured onto a greased plate, allowed to set, and cut into squares or diamonds. It's a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
18. Shengdanayachi Poli
Shengdanayachi Poli is the Maharashtrian name for the peanut-stuffed flatbread also known as Peanut Holige. This recipe is particularly popular during festivals. The process involves creating a sweet, nutty filling of ground peanuts and jaggery, which is then encased in a wheat-based dough and cooked on a hot tava (griddle).
19. Peanut Halwa
Peanut Halwa is a rich, spoonable dessert. This halwa recipe is made by cooking coarse peanut powder with ghee, milk, and sugar. The mixture is stirred continuously until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and starts to glisten with ghee. Garnished with nuts, it's a warm and comforting sweet.
20. Peanut Mysore Pak
Peanut Mysore Pak is a creative spin on the traditional South Indian sweet. Instead of the usual gram flour, this recipe uses peanut powder. The peanut powder is cooked with a generous amount of ghee and sugar syrup until the mixture becomes porous and aromatic. When it sets, it has a unique texture that is both crumbly and melt-in-the-mouth.
7 Peanut Chutneys, Curries & Main Courses
Peanut recipes extend well beyond snacks and sweets into savory main courses. From chutneys that accompany breakfast dishes to rich gravies for biryani, peanuts provide creaminess, protein, and flavor to many Indian dishes.
21. Andhra-Style Peanut Chutney
Andhra-style peanut chutney is a staple accompaniment for dishes like idli and dosa. The base of this chutney for dosa recipe is roasted peanuts, ground with tamarind for tang, and red or green chilies for heat. [No source] A final tempering (tadka) of mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves is poured over the chutney, adding another layer of flavor.
22. Mirchi ka Salan (Peppers in a Nutty Gravy)
Mirchi ka Salan is a famous Hyderabadi peanut curry, often served with biryani. The richness of this celebratory dish comes from a ground paste of peanuts, sesame seeds, and dried coconut. Large, mild green chilies are fried and then simmered in this tangy and nutty gravy. The result is a complex and flavorful curry.
23. Peanut Rice (Verkadalai Sadam)
Peanut Rice, known as Verkadalai Sadam in Tamil Nadu, is a flavorful rice dish. This peanut recipe involves a spiced powder made from roasted peanuts and red chilies. This powder is mixed with cooked rice, and the dish is finished with a tempering of mustard seeds, lentils, and curry leaves. It's a crunchy, nutty, and satisfying main course.
24. Shengdanyachi Amti
Shengdanyachi Amti is a Maharashtrian peanut curry that is both tangy and spicy. This comforting dish uses a base of roasted peanut powder, which is simmered with tamarind, jaggery, and Goda masala. It has a unique sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile and is typically served with rice or bhakri (a type of flatbread).
25. Bagara Baingan
Bagara Baingan is another Hyderabadi delicacy where peanuts are essential. This dish features small eggplants cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy. The gravy base is made from a paste of ground peanuts, coconut, and sesame seeds, similar to Mirchi ka Salan. It's a complex curry that pairs beautifully with biryani or roti.
26. Tomato Peanut Curry
A Tomato Peanut Curry is a simple yet delicious main course. This easy peanut gravy recipe can be made quickly on a weeknight. Roasted peanut powder is added to a base of sautéed onions and tomatoes to create a thick, creamy gravy. Vegetables or paneer can be added to make it a complete meal, typically served with rice or flatbread.
27. Peanut Thecha
Peanut Thecha is a fiery condiment from Maharashtra. This isn't a smooth chutney but a coarse mixture. The recipe involves pounding together green chilies, garlic, and roasted peanuts in a mortar and pestle. A little salt and sometimes cilantro are added. It's a potent and spicy accompaniment that adds a kick to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are peanuts and groundnuts the same thing?
Yes, peanuts and groundnuts refer to the same legume. "Groundnut" is a common term used in India and other parts of the world.
Q2. What is the healthiest way to eat peanuts?
The healthiest way to eat peanuts is raw, boiled, or dry-roasted without added salt or sugar. These methods preserve nutrients without adding excess fats or sodium.
Q3. How many peanuts can I eat in a day?
A moderate amount, such as a handful (about 1 ounce or 28-30 grams) per day, is a healthy portion for most people.
Q4. Can I use peanut butter in Indian cooking?
Yes, natural, unsweetened peanut butter can be used as a quick substitute for ground peanut paste in many curry recipes, like peanut sauce or satay, to provide a creamy texture.
Q5. How do I make peanut recipes without a grinder?
If you don't have a grinder, you can place roasted peanuts in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. For a finer powder, you can then sift the crushed peanuts.
Q6. What is the best way to store roasted peanuts?
Store roasted peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch. For longer shelf life, you can keep them in the refrigerator.
Q7. Is peanut good for weight loss?
Yes, peanuts can be good for weight loss when eaten in moderation. Their protein, fiber, and healthy fats help you feel full, which can prevent overeating.
Q8. What are the main nutrients in peanuts?
Peanuts are a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), fiber, and various vitamins and minerals like biotin, niacin, folate, vitamin E, magnesium, and copper.
Q9. Can I make peanut chutney without garlic?
Absolutely. Many peanut chutney recipes are made without garlic. The primary flavors come from peanuts, chilies, and a souring agent like tamarind, so omitting garlic will still result in a delicious chutney.
Q10. What dishes pair well with peanut sauce?
Peanut sauce is very versatile. It pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu satay, fresh spring rolls, and as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It can also be used as a dressing for salads and noodle bowls.
Q11. How do you prevent peanut chikki from becoming chewy?
To prevent chewy chikki, you must cook the jaggery syrup to the "hard-ball" consistency. You can test this by dropping a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should immediately become hard and brittle.
Q12. Are boiled peanuts healthier than roasted peanuts?
Boiled peanuts can be healthier as they may contain more antioxidants. The boiling process can help draw antioxidants from the shells into the nut. Roasted peanuts are also healthy, but boiling avoids the addition of extra oils.
Q13. Which peanut is best for cooking?
Different types of peanuts, like Virginia, Spanish, or Valencia, can be used in cooking. For most Indian recipes, the common raw peanuts found in local markets work perfectly well.
Q14. Can you make these recipes with other nuts?
Yes, many of these recipes can be adapted. Almonds can be used to make katli, and cashews can be used in curry pastes. However, the flavor profile will be different from the original peanut recipe.
Q15. How long does homemade peanut chutney last?
Homemade peanut chutney can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If it's a dry powder chutney, it can last for several weeks.
Conclusion
These homemade peanut recipes demonstrate the incredible role of groundnuts in Indian cooking. From a simple snack to the base of a celebratory curry, peanuts offer protein, flavor, and texture. Hopefully, you feel inspired to try one of these fantastic recipes and explore the rich and nutty world of Indian peanut dishes.
