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Peanuts are one of the most popular nuts in India. They are much cheaper than pistachios, cashews and walnuts and are loaded with health benefits. Mostly enjoyed as a snack, peanuts are a classic treat for travel. You can find many street vendors selling roasted peanuts with some salt and green chutney.
Also known as moongfali, they are high in protein and healthy fat along with being low in carbs. Peanuts are very versatile and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them. These nuts can become a part of your all three meals of the day. According to a report by Harvard Medical School, the nutrients present in peanuts help in lowering the rates of heart disease.
Here are six desi recipes you can prepare with peanuts at home.
Masala Peanuts
This crispy snack is also known as peanut pakora. Made with raw moongfali, besan, rice flour and corn starch, it is perfect to relish along with your cup of chai. The primary seasonings of masala peanuts are Kashmiri chillies, chaat masala, asafoetida, curry leaves and lemon juice. You can store this treat in an air-tight container for one week.
Peanut Chikki
Peanut chikki is a traditional treat of India that is commonly enjoyed during festivals like Makar Sankranti. Made with peanuts, jaggery and water, it is very nutritious and highly recommended in the winter season. Peanut chikki takes less than an hour to prepare and can stay fresh up to one month if stored properly.
Peanut Sundal
Also known as verkadalai sundal, it is a gift from South Indian cuisine. Made with peanuts, coconut, salt, oil, urad dal and spices, this snack is an important part of the Navratri festival. Curry leaves and red chillies are used in tempering the snack to give it a delicious flavour. Peanut sundal can also be served as a side dish with sambar and rasam rice.
Shengdana Chutney
Peanut or Shengdana, as it is called in Maharashtra is a popular condiment of the region that is an essential part of their traditional thali. Served with chapati, bhakri or roti, it can also be sprinkled on your chawal-dal. This dry chutney can be stored for up to three month. The primary ingredients of this side dish are peanuts, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, red chilli powder and salt.
Spicy Peanut Curry
Did you think, peanuts can only be used for a snack? If yes, then you need to try spicy peanut curry. Made with raw moongfali, ginger, garlic and lots of spices like cardamom, cumin, red chilli and cinnamon, it is a perfect accompaniment for rice as well as roti. This irresistible curry is garnished with coconut and coriander leaves.
Peanut Chaat
Last but not least, peanut chaat is another delicious snack prepared with these nuts. Made by combining roasted peanuts with onion, tomato, coriander leaves, lemon, red chilli powder and chaat masala, it gets ready within fifteen minutes. This snack is perfect to serve as a starter for weekends and get-together parties.
