Microwave Masala Peanuts | Easy Tea Time Snacks

Name: Microwave Masala Peanuts | Easy Tea Time Snacks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Shelled peanuts – unsalted preferably if store bought – with skin on; 2 TBSP Rice flour; 2 TBSP Gram flour (Besan); 3/4 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1/2 TBSP Red chilli powder (adjust spice); 1/2 TBSP Kashmiri Chilli powder; 1/3 tsp Cumin powder; 1/2 tsp Dry mango powder (Amchur); 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder; 2 TBSP Oil (any neutral oil works best); 1/2 tsp Chat Masala – for topping

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Microwave Masala Peanuts is a quick, crunchy and an addictive snack made with peanuts, basic pantry spices in a microwave.

Microwave in everyday cooking

I usually use the microwave to make the Therattipaal (a reduced milk fudge & a favourite of the family too) or a quick Gajar Halwa during winters , Choco-lave cake, a 2-min Choco mug cake, microwave poha chivda and of course to prep veggies for raita / stir fry or to cook potatoes on rushed mornings.

Why Microwave Masala Peanuts

Peanuts, aka the poor man’s cashewnuts, are anyone’s favourite (barring those with nut allergies). We use
this generally to season with tempering for Tamarind Poha (Gojavalakki), flavoured rice, Batatyachi Poha (Potato poha) or in chutneys or in chikkis (brittle) / Peanut Laddu as a base.

Many years ago, when my kids were little, I used to stock dry roasted peanuts and they enjoyed snacking on it with some jaggery. Such lovely memories those were.

I still do it, although the roasted peanuts disappear or when adding them to Microwave Patal Pohachi Chivda (thin poha chivda) , Airfryer Makhana Chivda or to make Sabudana Khichdi.

And then there are these Masala Peanuts – from deep fried to roasted to microwaved avatars – till I started
making them often in a microwave as a ‘time-pass’ snack often while watching OTT serials these days 🙂

These masala peanuts, wrapped in newspaper cones bring back childhood memories of munching them on way to school picnics or on long Sunday evening walks with dad.

Microwave Masala Peanuts is a quick, crunchy and an addictive snack made with peanuts, basic pantry spices in a microwave.

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Thinai Uppu Seedai | Millet Cheedai | Easy Jar snacks

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Tips and Tricks to make the BEST Microwave Masala Peanuts

Make sure that the peanuts is just wet in the colander but not soaked for more than 1-2 mins . Drain them thoroughly before drying them out with extra kitchen towels.
Wipe most of the moisture out from peanuts before marinating them
Microwave temperatures vary, please check at each stage to recalibrate the temperature
Under-baking makes them soggy, over baking makes them hard and unpalatable.
Any mix of spice (according to taste) can be topped after microwaving the peanuts.

Prep time : 10 mins, Microwave time : 6 to 8 mins (depends on the quality of peanuts and microwave settings) |
Makes : approx. 150 gm of Masala peanuts

Ingredients to make Microwave Masala Peanuts:

1 cup Shelled peanuts – unsalted preferably if store bought – with skin on
2 TBSP Rice flour
2 TBSP Gram flour (Besan)
3/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
1/2 TBSP Red chilli powder (adjust spice)
1/2 TBSP Kashmiri Chilli powder
1/3 tsp Cumin powder
1/2 tsp Dry mango powder (Amchur)
1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
2 TBSP Oil (any neutral oil works best)
1/2 tsp Chat Masala – for topping

How to make Microwave Masala Peanuts:

Soak the peanuts for just 1-2 mins, and let it drain immediately in a colander / sieve. They should remain moist but not get mushy or soak longer.
In a large bowl, add the peanuts and all the spice powders, salt. Mix well. Add oil in batches and with the help
of spoon,fork or your fingers so the masala spreads evenly.
Let it marinate for 4-5 mins to soak up the flavours.
If needed sprinkle really small quantities of water to bring them together (I didn’t use any water)
Grease a microwave safe plate lightly, spread these coated peanuts taking not to overcrowd (or too much
overlapping)
Micro for 900 (high) for 2 minutes, then change the setting to 600 W for 3+3+2 minutes, checking and
spreading the nuts (if they form lumps / stick together).
Keep an eye before the last 2 min cycle – they burn pretty quickly, so micro till you get full crispy nuts.
Cool slightly , add chat masala while still warm and store in an airtight container

How to use:

Munch on them as is with some steaming coffee / tea any beverage of your choice.
Make a quick bhel : add raw onions, chopped green chillies, a dash of lemon juice. some puffed rice (Murumura- optional). Mix well and enjoy!

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