Spicy Chile-Lime Nut Snack
Lightened Up Oven-Roasted Chile-Lime Peanuts
Get ready for an IRRESISTIBLE twist on a traditional Oaxacan bar snack! These easy-to-make, garlic-infused peanuts are a magnificent blend of tangy lime and spicy chiles. Roasted in the oven instead of deep-fried, this recipe gives you a guilt-free, flavor-packed snack that'll elevate your next cocktail party or gathering!
What to Buy: Spanish peanuts, short and round with red skins, can be found at most Mexican or Indian markets. Alternatively, you can use roasted peanuts and skip steps 1-3.
Preparation Time: The roasting process takes approximately 25 minutes, but remember, good things come to those who wait!
This recipe was featured as part of our Wii Night! gaming menu, and our Bar Snacks and Tailgating Recipes photo galleries.
- Yield: 10 to 15 hearty servings (2 pounds)
- Difficulty: A piece of (roasted) cake!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Active Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (7)
- 2 pounds raw, shelled Spanish peanuts (substitute with roasted peanuts for a quicker version)
- 20 whole unpeeled garlic cloves (about 2 whole heads)
- 6 tablespoons peanut oil
- 4 arbol chiles, crushed (SUBSTITUTE: 1 tablespoon chili flakes for a more accessible version)
- 3 tablespoons finely grated lime zest, packed (from about 4 medium limes)
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. If using raw peanuts, combine them with unpeeled garlic cloves, peanut oil, and crushed chiles in a large bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the coated peanut mixture onto it in a single layer.
- Bake the peanuts for 15 minutes, then give them a good shake and continue baking until they're beautifully toasted and starting to crack open, about 10 more minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Once roasted, remove the peanuts from the oven and transfer them to a large, heatproof bowl.
- Toss them with lime zest, salt, and sugar. That's it! Serve these fabulous nuts and prepare to be the life (and taste) of the party.
Enrichment Data:
Amplify your Lightened Up Oven-Roasted Chile-Lime Peanuts experience by incorporating creative twists using the following insights:
- Upping the Heat: Give your recipe a spicy kick by replacing the arbol chiles with jalapeño chips or 1 tablespoon gochugaru, a tangy Korean chili flake.
- Sweet Menage à Trois: Elevate the sweetness by adding 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup at the end of the roasting process, melting the sweetener into the warm peanuts before transferring to the bowl.
- Lime Açaï Twist: Zest Citrusy açaï limes for a refreshing touch, adding a tropical element to your peanuts and enhancing their flavor profile.
Enjoy experimenting with variations of this Lightened Up Oven-Roasted Chile-Lime Peanuts recipe, and let your culinary creativity run wild! Don't forget to impress your friends and family with your scrumptious, healthy party snack!
Mix in some peanuts for a nutty twist on the Lightened Up Oven-Roasted Chile-Lime Peanuts. You can use peanuts instead of Spanish peanuts if you can't find them at local stores. For a sweeter version, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup during the roasting process. Additionally, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, try incorporating jalapeño chips or gochugaru, a Korean chili flake, to spice up your parties.
