May 24, 2011

Boiled Masala Peanuts

When I think back on college memories (ok..its been long but not too long ago), one of my favorite memories is us girls buying a whole lot of packets of the street side boiled peanuts mixed with a lot of stuff including maybe some dust and pollution as well. We pick that up, cross the street and would go sit on the historic Egmore museum steps for hours and indulge in total kadala potufying (transalation.. check out anything that remotely resembles a guy and rate them from 1 to 10). And yes, when I moved out of Egmore and continued on to my post grad, the tradition still continued but unfortunately the location of my kadala-wala was not very conducive to look at guys. It was at the end of a railway track – the only view from there was the dirty tracks and a few crazies running them across. So, it was more of a togo from that place.

Traditions die hard. Especially if it involves devouring a hot plate of boiled peanuts. I wish there were kadalawalas standing in every corner here in the US serving the ever green snack. What do these hot dog selling guys know what they are missing. Anyways, my sad story apart, I was totally craving for this after having a big long discussion with my friend over the phone about our kadala days. So, I decided to just go ahead and make it.


You can soak the regular store bought plain shelled peanuts and then pressure cook them to match the inshell boiled peanuts. I also use this type of peanuts to make a garlicky spicy vetha kuzhambu – famously called mallatta kuzhambu by my Cuddalore friends. Apparently, peanuts are called mallatta in the Cuddalore – Pondicherry area. I learnt this the first time my Cuddalore friend told me she was going to get mallatta cake – and I was expecting something like a black forest or chocolate cake and she hands me over some chikki. Sometimes life’s lessons are learnt the hard way.

What you mix with the peanuts is entirely up to you. Eat them plain or eat them overly dressed up – they never disappoint.

Wash and soak about 2 cups of raw peanuts overnight. (With or without the cover is fine)



The next day, wash the peanuts again and pressure cook with lots of water. Add about 2 -3 tsps of salt to the water before cooking so that the peanuts pull in the salt from the water.


Cool until the peanuts turn tender but not mushy. A little bite to it is also preferred.


You’re almost done. You can taste a whole cup of just the plain stuff. No one is watching.

Chop up some green chillies, onions. tomatoes and cucumbers into small pieces. One classic ingredient I did not have at home was raw mango. If you can get it on time to make this, chop up into fine pieces like the cucumbers too. And btw – this kind of a peanut masala dish is also called ‘Monkey Nuts’ in many places. Sure, I’d go monkey over this any day.






Add all the ingredients to the boiled peanuts. Sprinkle some red chilli powder on top for a little spice. Taste and add salt only if you need to. Top off with some fresh cilantro and mix well. You can squeeze juice of half a lemon if you like the flavor. I don’t go there.



Mix up well and serve fresh.


Traditionally in India, this is served wrapped in old newspapers. Maybe those toxins do add to the flavor. But, all that gave us immunity – what do you say? Anyways, LA Times does bleed when I touch the paper with wet hands so I know the ink is pretty fresh on there. So, I do a double wrap – first wrap with plastic foil and then cover with the newspaper for the traditional look. I know – I never cared for all this before but I’m a mom now and this stuff freaks me now.



Now that my peanuts are ready, all I need is some girlfriends and some gossip – because at my stage in life we all realize no matter how high you rate guys – they are all the same - their clothes never hit the laundry basket right and the toilet seat does not come down to the correct position. Ever.

Enjoy. Peace out.

Click here for a Printable Recipe

32 comments:

  1. Delicious and drool worthy..tempting me a lot.

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  2. A mushy romantic Bollywood movie,a tall glass of Lime soda and a plate of boiled peanuts,I can go into oblivion!!

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  3. Hahaha! That kadala potufying is so funny, reminds me of my college days too. BTW the boiled peanuts is a healthy snack to munch anytime.

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  4. wow..this is absolutely tempting..am going to make some for me soon..

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  5. I can feel the crunch of the peanuts from the click,so tempting that I have already soaked some now :):) Enjoyed ur write-up, college days are one of th best which can be recalled and relish. A good one and thanks for sharing.Amazing click!!!!!

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  6. Wow Ms. Chitchat - that was fast! Enjoy your kadalapotufying too!

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  7. this has been on my mind for a while now, not so much the boiled version but the fried version that they serve in kerala bars :D

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  8. Oooh! YESSSSS!!!!!!!!! Those were the days! :)

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  9. thanks for the recipe!Its drizzling here in bangalore and this would be lovely to much with a cuppa chai!!!

    Loved this " Now that my peanuts are ready, all I need is some girlfriends and some gossip – because at my stage in life we all realize no matter how high you rate guys – they are all the same - their clothes never hit the laundry basket right and the toilet seat does not come down to the correct position. Ever."

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  10. So flavourful n yummy looking masala peanuts

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  11. Now you got me wanting to have this....I was aghast reading long time ago:0(and soon you jumped to say..well not so long ago)If that was long time ago, I should say civilisations ago I have done something similar:)
    The kadalai packet is so inviting, thanks for even reminding of a youth that was very enjoyable!

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  12. Yummy and wonderful masala peanuts. Everyone sure will be a great fan of this. Well presented as ever.

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  13. You are reminding me of my childhood days .. boiled peanuts look so yummy.

    Vardhini
    VardhinisKitchen

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  14. Omg, cant take my eyes from ur click, fabulous masala peanuts, feel like having some..

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  15. I always enjoy reading ur posts more dan d recipes..:)
    n ofcourse I love your style of cooking..u made this simple peanuts very nicely..just love 2 munch them anytime..:)

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  16. Nice...I just boil peanuts with salt and eat is AS-IS...As you said, they themselves taste wonderful...But your recipe is like a nice way to pep it up...Will surely try this...And I really liked your final words regarding guys...Ha ha ha...200% agree to that :-)

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  17. Nice...I just boil peanuts with salt and eat is AS-IS...As you said, they themselves taste wonderful...But your recipe is like a nice way to pep it up...Will surely try this...And I really liked your final words regarding guys...Ha ha ha...200% agree to that :-)

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  18. Nice...I just boil peanuts with salt and eat is AS-IS...As you said, they themselves taste wonderful...But your recipe is like a nice way to pep it up...Will surely try this...And I really liked your final words regarding guys...Ha ha ha...200% agree to that :-)

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  19. Super like,, i loved this one anu..Awesome

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  20. This is so much better than normal boiled peanuts... looks so delicious:)
    Reva

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  21. Hey anuuuuuuu u bring out de memories v pick it up outside cisons and thanks for bringing my mallatai kozhambu ll try to buy and eat tomorrow

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  22. Absolutely love your presentation and a new world called "kadala potufying" :)

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  23. This brings back so many memories Anu. Love having kadalai wrapped in a newspaper :) I wanted to leave you a comment that i tried your biryani and posted it. But totally forgot about it until I saw your comment in my post. it was really delicious Anu. Thanks for the recipe.

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  24. Loved the post.. the recipe too. Funny very funny specially the end.
    Are you peeved about something that recently happened ? :)

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  25. Looks very yummy!!Soon will try dressing like this

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  26. Lovely post Anu...loved the kadala potufying reference...and the part about the toilet seats comjes spot on!! Loved the masala kaldai and i just love the oomph from the mangoes that you havent added! such a tang and such a crunch!!!
    Havent been around much as I am having a ball n India!!!! Missing your chats Anu!

    Shobha

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  27. Woww... My fav chat recipe.. looks absolutely perfect and tempting.. inviting clicks dear.. thanks for sharing !!
    Indian Cuisine

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  28. Hi Anu
    Tried this yesterday and me and my hubby loved it...It was a nice combination of all flavours...Very good recipe

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  29. What a lovely effort your blog is! I came to your blog while browsing for "mriganayani"....coz I love the name! Your space is amazing and it feels like I am right in your kitchen while you cook! Will come back for more...I loved ur blog! :)

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  30. Awww... this is lovely... pukka chennai beach side peanut snack:)

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  31. wow..nice writeup, you have lots going on your blog. I am definitely going to read all of them. This recipe surely brought back some nostalgia. I was raised in Mumbai, and the streetside vendors sell something similar with boiled green chanas; and it tastes super delicious specially during Monsoon season!!!

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