Fiery Crunchy Peanuts
Prepare to be amazed! These Fiery Crunchy Peanuts pack a punch with a delightful mix of spices that will keep you going back for more. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a savory snack to enjoy anytime. They combine the rich, earthy flavor of peanuts with a kick of heat from chili powder and cayenne, making them an irresistible treat. Just remember to drain them thoroughly after cooking to maintain that perfect crunch. A beloved recipe from the iconic Betty Crocker Christmas cookbook, these peanuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (heat in skillet)
unsalted peanuts
2 cups (add directly to skillet)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (add directly to skillet)
ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/4 teaspoon (add directly to skillet)
garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (sprinkle over peanuts after cooking)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the vegetable oil and let it heat up.
2
Once the oil is shimmering, add the unsalted peanuts, ensuring they are well-coated.
3
Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground red pepper, and stir to combine.
4
Cook while stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes, until the peanuts are evenly warmed and fragrant.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain the peanuts on a stack of paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6
While the peanuts are still warm, evenly sprinkle the garlic salt over them and toss well to ensure they are coated.
7
Allow the peanuts to cool completely before transferring them to a tightly sealed container for storage.
8
These spicy snacks can be kept at room temperature and will last for several days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fiery Crunchy Peanuts?
They are a spicy, savory snack made with unsalted peanuts, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, based on a recipe from the Betty Crocker Christmas cookbook.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 5 ingredients: vegetable oil, unsalted peanuts, chili powder, ground red pepper (cayenne), and garlic salt.
What kind of peanuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of unsalted peanuts.
How much oil is required for cooking?
You only need 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
What is the heat source used for cooking?
The peanuts are prepared in a large skillet over medium heat.
How long does it take to cook the peanuts?
The peanuts should be cooked and stirred frequently for about 2-3 minutes.
What spices are used to make them fiery?
The heat comes from 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper (cayenne).
When should I add the garlic salt?
Sprinkle the garlic salt over the peanuts after they have been cooked and drained, while they are still warm.
How much garlic salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Why do the peanuts need to be drained on paper towels?
Draining them thoroughly on paper towels helps absorb excess oil and ensures they stay crunchy.
How should Fiery Crunchy Peanuts be stored?
Store them in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
How long will these spicy peanuts stay fresh?
They will last for several days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is an easy recipe involving simple skillet cooking and basic pantry spices.
Can I use these for a party?
Yes, they are highly recommended as party food and crowd-pleasers.
Do I need to wait for them to cool before storing?
Yes, you must allow the peanuts to cool completely before transferring them to a container.
What should the oil look like before adding peanuts?
The vegetable oil should be shimmering in the skillet before you add the peanuts.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe comes from the iconic Betty Crocker Christmas cookbook.
How do I know when the peanuts are done cooking?
They are ready when they are evenly warmed and fragrant, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
The recipe specifies vegetable oil, but any neutral oil with a similar smoke point can work.
Are these peanuts very spicy?
They have a kick of heat from chili powder and cayenne, making them a fiery treat.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this is a savory and spicy snack recipe with no added sugar.
Can I make this recipe if I only have salted peanuts?
The recipe suggests unsalted peanuts; if using salted, you should significantly reduce or omit the garlic salt.
What makes the peanuts crunchy?
The combination of flash-frying in oil and then draining excess oil on paper towels maintains their crunch.
How much ground red pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground red pepper (cayenne).
What type of container is best for storage?
A tightly sealed or airtight container is best to keep them from getting stale.
Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure your skillet is large enough to coat all peanuts evenly.
What are some recommended occasions for this snack?
They are perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a savory anytime snack.
How much chili powder is used per cup of peanuts?
Since the recipe uses 2 cups of peanuts and 2 teaspoons of chili powder, it is 1 teaspoon per cup.
What is the texture of the final product?
The peanuts are crunchy and coated in a fragrant, spicy seasoning.