Masala kadalai (peanut fry or peanut pakoda) is a crispy and flavourful Indian snack recipe. It is prepared by coating the raw peanuts with gram flour, rice flour and some spices which are then deep fried in oil. This masala kadalai is also known as verkadalai (groundnut) pakoda in Tamilnadu. It is a perfect quick evening snack recipe which can be made in less than 30 minutes.It goes very well with a cup of tea or coffee. The masala kadalai ( peanut fry ) can be stored in a container for a week.
Masala Kadalai
When I was little, and sitting on the couch munching a packet of this peanuts. I used to think, that this snack is so hard to make, because they would have take each peanuts and coated with the masala and then fry them. Yes believe i was thinking like that till the day when my mom made it for me. It is years back. And when i found that, it is not like coating each peanuts in the masala. I was happy. Because i can make it too.
Jump to:
Couple days back mom asked me to make her this peanuts. So I got the recipe from her and tried it immediately. And it turned out so yummy. I would recommend you to add more garlic, because those fried up garlic taste so yummy. I was just picking those garlic from the peanuts. So try it and let me know how it turned out.
About Masala Kadalai
Masala kadalai aka spicy peanut fry is one of the flavourful and addictive snacks. Peanuts are such a versatile ingredient and a good source of protein. Adding a handful of peanuts to your chutney will elevate the taste to the next level. Or adding peanut powder or crushed peanuts to your sabzi, salad, curries, poriyal also enhance the taste and add richness to the dish. Try it once and you will love it. Check my Complete Diwali Recipes.
I still remember during my school days , buying or making masala kadalai (peanut fry) is a must snack at our home. The masala coating, a blend of aromatic spices and crunch of the peanuts exterior will definitely be a flavour bomb. Imagine having a soothing,hot cup of tea, the peanut fry’s crunch and your favourite show will be a perfect way to unwind the day.
This spicy peanut fry ( masala kadalai ) will differ from the Indian chaat recipes. Usually in the chaat boiled peanuts are used. Boiled peanut chaat recipes are a blend of tangy, spicy and fresh flavours.
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Why does this recipe work?
High in protein : Peanuts are a good source of plant based protein, fibre. Peanuts are also vegan friendly. Adding peanuts to your salad or meal will be a healthy option.
Texture : Masala kadalai (peanut fry) provides a rich and crunchy flavour. It is a satisfying snack which has a flavour of aromatic spices that is hard to resist.
Quick and easy : Peanut fry (masala kadalai ) is one of the quickest snack options. It can be made in less than 30 minutes. Raw peanuts , south Indian spices are easily available at every household. It does not require any cutting work.
Storage : Once you are done with peanut fry, it can be stored in an airtight container for a week. Your weekly snack preparation will be sorted out.
Why do I love this recipe - Masala kadalai (spicy peanut fry) is a perfect snack, making it ideal for munching on the go. This recipe is perfect for various occasions, whether it's a quick snack, a party appetizer. It can also be made with a healthy twist like air frying or baked in an oven. Peanuts are a staple food in many Indian households which are easily accessible and affordable too.
Taste : Frying the peanuts in the groundnut oil,makes it nutty and crunchy.It contributes to the overall taste and flavour.
Storage Efficiency : This spicy peanut fry ( masala kadalai ) Indian snack can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for a week.
Combination : Spicy peanut fry can be paired with tea, coffee or any of your meals. It can also be used as a topping for salads.
Healthy option : For a person who is health conscious, this masala peanut fry can be done without deep frying. Air frying and baking are great options. Time and oil saving too. It retains the nutrients.
Ingredients for Masala Peanuts
Peanuts : Making of masala kadalai ( spicy peanut fry ) requires raw , unroasted peanuts. This is the star ingredient of the recipe.
Groundnut oil : Frying the masala coated peanuts in groundnut oil enhances the peanut flavour in the recipe. You can also use any cooking oil for deep frying . But using groundnut oil gives the best aroma.
Gram flour : Gram flour is used for coating the masala with peanuts which adds a binding to the recipe.
Rice flour : Adding rice flour is used to give a crunch texture to the peanut fry.
Garlic : Adding crushed garlic to any pakoda will enhance the taste. You can also omit it if you don't like adding garlic.
Curry leaves and Coriander leaves : Adding finely chopped or crushed curry leaves , coriander leaves gives a distinct , aromatic and pleasant flavour.
Hing : Hing is used in many Indian deep fried snacks , as it helps in digestion. Spices : Kashmiri chilli powder is mainly used for the color. Chilli powder can be adjusted according to your spice level.
How to Make Masala Peanuts (Stepwise pictures)
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| Use good peanuts |
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| Take them in a microwave safe bowl |
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| Cook for 5 mins |
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| Till they are roasted |
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| Now take your ingredients |
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| Take fennel and garlic in a mixer |
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| crush them |
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| Take peanuts in a bowl |
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| Season with salt |
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| chilli powder |
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| crushed garlic and fennel |
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| Add in gram flour |
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| rice flour |
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| add baking soda |
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| asafoetida / I used the liquid stuff |
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| mix well |
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| sprinkle water |
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| mix to form a coarse mixture |
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| i added some food colouring |
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| fry in hot oil |
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| drain once it turn golden |
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| enjoy |
Expert Tips
Perfect crunchy and bakery style spicy masala peanuts can be done by following these steps.
- Marinate peanuts with the list of ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make sure the oil is hot,before adding the masala coated peanuts.
- Frying the peanuts in small batches prevents overcrowding and soggy peanuts.
- The masala batter should be thick.
- After frying the peanuts, lastly add a dash of curry leaves to the oil.
- For Kerala style masala peanut fry, use coconut oil for deep frying.
- For tangy flavour, sprinkle chaat masala powder after frying and toss them in a bowl.
FAQ
1.Is it possible to fry masala kadalai without deep frying ?
Yes, if you have an air fryer or oven it can be done. But the authentic taste and flavours come only when fried in the oil.
2.Can I use coconut or neutral oil for frying ?
Yes you can use any other oil for frying the masala peanuts. Coconut oil is mainly used in Kerala cuisine. Other oils can also be used.
3.Can peanuts be allergic?
Yes , peanuts are a common allergen, and some people may experience severe allergic reactions.
4.Consumption of more peanut fry causes health problems ?
Moderate amount of peanut fry should be taken for good. Consumption of more peanuts results in digestion issues.
5. How long does peanut fry last ?
Peanut fry can last for several days to a week when properly stored in an airtight container.
Variations
Cashew peanut mix : Add 2:1 ratio of peanuts and cashew nuts for more nutty flavour.
Kerala peanut fry : In Kerala for deep frying coconut oil is used. The masala coating ingredients are the same, only the oil differs. The use of curry leaves adds a predominant flavour in kerala masala peanut fry.
Air fried masala peanuts : Using an air fryer to make crispy masala peanuts with minimal oil will be a great healthy alternative snack option.
North Indian peanut snacks : Boiled peanut chaat recipe is a quite popular snack. It is more of fresh flavours like adding onion, cilantro , lime , green chilli, tomato, raw mango.
Baked masala peanuts : Spread the masala coated peanuts in a greased tray. Bake them at 180 c for 10 minutes. It will also be a crispy and healthier snack.
📖 Recipe Card
Masala Kadalai Recipe (Masala Peanuts)
Equipment
- Cooking pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups Raw Peanuts I used Raw
- ½ cup Gram Flour
- 3 tbsp Rice Flour
- 1 tbsp Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- 10 cloves Garlic with skin on
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds
- ½ tsp Asafoetida / Hing
- ⅛ tsp Red Food Coloring optional
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Start by roasting peanuts. If you are using roasted peanuts, then you don't have to do this. Since i used raw peanut, I use microwave to roast them.
- Take peanuts in microwave safe bowl and put it inside oven. Set time for 5 mins. Remove them very 2 mins and give them a toss. Once the timer goes off, take them out and allow them to cool down. Every oven is different, if your peanuts is not roasted in 5 mins, put it back in the oven for couple more mins. Now set them aside till use.
- Heat oil for deep frying.
- Take fennel seeds and garlic in a mixer and run them once. This will crush them very slightly, If you wish you can add them whole, but i think, this makes them even more flavorful.
- Now take the peanuts in a bowl, add in salt, chilli pdr, baking soda, gram flour, rice flour, crushed garlic and fennel, asafoetida and mix well. Now sprinkle over some water and rub them with your fingers. This will make the flours stick to the peanuts and coat them.
- Never add too much water. Add some food coloring if you want to.
- Once they are coated. Fry this in hot oil til they turn light golden. Strain them in some paper towel. Once they are cooled. Store them in an air tight container.
Notes
- Marinate peanuts with the list of ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make sure the oil is hot,before adding the masala coated peanuts.
- Frying the peanuts in small batches prevents overcrowding and soggy peanuts.
- The masala batter should be thick.
- After frying the peanuts, lastly add a dash of curry leaves to the oil.
- For Kerala style masala peanut fry, use coconut oil for deep frying.
- For tangy flavour, sprinkle chaat masala powder after frying and toss them in a bowl.
Nutrition
If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.
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Anonymous
i love it very much.. so tasty aaayirikkum alle??
mukthar mohammad
Rumba nanri
Riashankar
Tried thuss.came well
Reshmi Nair
It came out well. Thanks for the recipe.
HemaPreetha
sooper, looks delicious & will try today.
Unknown
Without microwave how long should I roast?
Aarthi
roast on low heat for 10 mins
Amrutha Rajarajan
Instead of deep frying can i bake it in otg oven
Aarthi
not sure about that. u can try though.
Gowri Sankar
The peanuts became a little soggy when it cooled down. Why is that?
Kanthi K
Aarthi, I am a huge fan of all your yummy dishes. This one aced in my Diwali snacks and sweets. Words from my hubby after eating it ‘It’s out of the universe’. Thanks so much.