Salted peanuts: benefits and harms, heat treatment

Salted peanuts are one of the most delicious and popular types of groundnuts (another name for peanuts). Salted kernels are most often used as a snack for beer.

When you buy a product ready-made from store shelves, you get not only tasty kernels, but also a lot of carcinogens, flavors and dyes. To avoid this, you need to cook your own peanuts. Moreover, it is not difficult. What nuances you need to know, in what ways you can salt kernels, and answers to many other questions you will find in this article.

Benefit

Salted peanuts are useful because:

half is fat, which means it has a high energy value;
contains nutrients and amino acids necessary for the human body;
rich in macro- and microelements;
does not contain harmful cholesterol although it is high in calories.

Raw groundnuts are harmful to the digestive system. Therefore, this product must undergo heat treatment before use. Some people believe that salted peanuts are harmful to blood vessels due to their high sodium concentration. However, a number of studies have proven that groundnuts:

good for the heart, and its sodium level is critically low;
helps maintain nervous system health;
replenishes energy reserves;
strengthens the body's defenses;
improves cell growth and regeneration;
is beneficial for sexual dysfunction in men;
helps prevent many diseases (atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, asthma).

Medicinal properties

Rich in antioxidants, peanuts are used in folk medicine to treat chronic diseases associated with the digestive tract and kidneys.

And also as a product that has a general strengthening effect. In this it can compete even with the pomegranate fruit, known to every person.

For oncology

Numerous studies have found that peanuts can be used to fight cancer.

Once in the human body, it stops the growth of cancer cells and prevents their appearance.

Reduces stress

In addition, nuts can be used to relieve stress and reduce nervous excitability. At the same time, they are also useful for those who feel a loss of strength - the fruits give additional energy and tone.

Improve hearing and vision

Eating this nut regularly can improve your vision, hearing and sense of smell.

To do this, you need to eat only a few fruits every day.

However, be careful, as these nuts can improve the function of the genital organs in men and cause involuntary erections.

Peanuts have choleretic properties. It can also be used for colds to relieve dry cough.

Other medicinal properties of the nut:

regulates blood glucose levels;
improves intestinal microflora;
raises the fight against depressive conditions;
reduces cholesterol levels;
activates brain function;
normalizes arterial blood pressure;
slows down cell destruction.

Harm

Salted peanuts are often used as a beer snack. It is tasty and nutritious, but it must be consumed in reasonable quantities. Abuse can be harmful and lead to excess weight.

Salted peanuts are dangerous for people who:

with varicose veins and an increased number of platelets, because it slows down blood flow;
those suffering from arthritis, arthrosis and gout, due to the high concentration of protein;
pregnant women, as it causes thirst and leads to edema;
for allergy sufferers, as it often causes rash, itching and stomach pain.

Salted peanuts are not only beneficial, but also harmful, so they should be consumed carefully and in a limited manner, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Nuts in a healthy diet

Although they are healthy, nuts are high in calories. For example, a serving of salted, dry roasted macadamia nuts provides 10 percent of your daily requirement if you consume 2,000 calories per day.

Find creative ways to distribute nuts in your dishes. A handful of walnut halves adds protein and healthy fats to your spinach salad. A serving of salted pistachios after a workout restores electrolytes and boosts energy. According to a review published in the journal Scientifica in 2021, the magnesium in an almond or walnut snack can help you wind down at the end of the day, leading to better sleep.

Heat treatment

Peanuts are often eaten roasted; this product is tastier and more nutritious. Heat treatment is quite simple, can be easily done at home and only requires a frying pan. It is performed in stages:

Pour the beans into a clean, dry frying pan and spread into a thin, even layer. You cannot use vegetable oil, since the nuts already contain a huge amount of fat that is released during frying.
During the roasting process, the nuts should be stirred periodically with a wooden spatula. The beans should be cooked for 5 minutes until the skin begins to easily peel away from the kernel and the kernel itself turns golden.
After roasting, the nut should be peeled. This can be done manually, or by pouring the processed product into a deep container, covering and shaking the contents. The husk will separate from the kernel on its own. After which the product will only need to be salted.

Frying options

There are several most affordable options for preparing peanuts. It can be put in the oven or microwave. But it's best to fry peanuts in a frying pan. This is the most basic method for home use.

In a shell

Before buying peanuts in the shell, you need to take the nut and shake it. If the sound of dry grain hitting the walls of the fruit is heard inside, this means that it has already lost moisture. You need to choose another one.

The nuts are roasted in two stages:

Place in a bowl of cold water for approximately 30-40 minutes. This allows the kernels to swell well;
then remove from the water and dry with a towel;
pour onto a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven. Heat for 10-12 minutes until excess moisture evaporates;
partially roasted nuts in shell are placed in a heated frying pan with a thick bottom and high sides;
stirring constantly, fry over medium heat for 12-15 minutes;
carefully pour onto a plate lined with parchment;
cover with a light kitchen towel and leave for 20-30 minutes;
The cooled peel is broken and the nucleoli are separated.

Ready peanuts have a special aroma. It is placed in a paper bag, which allows you to preserve the unique taste of nuts for a long time.

With salt

Many people prefer peanuts, which are fried with salt. Most often, a large diameter frying pan is used so that the nuts are fried in a thin layer. The cooking procedure is as follows:

choose peeled raw peanuts in the amount of 500 g and take 8-10 grams of table (non-iodized) salt;
the fruits are reviewed, spoiled ones are thrown away;
nuts are washed under running cold water;
dry with a towel for 10 minutes. This time is enough for the moisture to be completely absorbed into the fabric;
the frying pan is heated over low heat for two to three minutes;
Pour the dried kernels onto a hot device and fry for 5 minutes. Periodically stir the nuts in the direction from the walls to the middle of the frying pan. As a result, the product is cooked evenly;
After five minutes, the fire is brought to medium. Roasting continues. The nuts are mixed more intensively. Heat treatment is adjusted to fifteen minutes;
Cover the bowl with parchment and pour in the roasted peanuts. The paper is rolled up and used to get rid of the remaining husks;
light kernels without foreign impurities are again sent to the frying pan and heated for another 3 minutes before adding salt. Turn off the heat, add salt and mix thoroughly;
pour the grains into a bag rolled up from paper. Set aside until the salted nuts have cooled completely.

Peanuts contain useful microelements, vitamins and fats. The product is indispensable for vitamin deficiency, exhaustion, and prolonged illness. It has a high calorie content. However, people with sore joints and those prone to allergies should not get too carried away with peanuts.

In oil

In this recipe, peanuts are fried in oil. Select 600 g of nuts and take 40 ml of olive or sunflower oil. The delicacy is prepared according to the following algorithm:

Wash the peanuts, place on a sieve and leave to drain excess moisture. Then pour it onto a towel and dry it;
Place a frying pan with thick walls on the fire and heat it up. Pour in and heat the oil. Then the peanuts are put into the frying pan. The product is simmered for no more than three minutes over high heat and reduced to medium. Stirring constantly, fry for a quarter of an hour;
a pleasant smell and browned nuts signal the readiness of the product. The husk darkens and begins to peel off;
Turn off the stove and cover the frying pan with a lid. After 10 minutes the product is completely ready. Peanuts become crispy and tasty after they have completely cooled.

Frying peanuts without oil in a frying pan

For frying without oil, as for other options, healthy peanuts are used.

The fruits are selected and washed in a colander with running water. Leave to drain. Then dry with a towel:

For frying, use a thick-walled cast iron frying pan or cookware with a non-stick coating;
Place the frying pan on the stove with maximum heat. For quick, optimal roasting, sprinkle peanuts in a thin layer onto the hot bottom of the pan;
Stir the nuts constantly with a spatula and reduce the heat to a minimum to prevent them from burning;
After drying the peanuts, the husks peel off and fall off. After this, the fire is increased to medium and the process continues;
if the sides of the peanuts are burnt, but the kernel is still raw, then reduce the heat;
readiness is determined by taste. Provided that the core acquires a golden hue, turn off the burner and cover the frying pan with a lid for 5 minutes;
peanuts are poured into a paper glass or envelope for gradual cooling;
Store the nuts in a glass container for one month.

Important! The average frying period is 15-20 minutes. However, to determine readiness, it is better to taste the nuts. When a slight crackling sound appears in the pan, it means the product is almost ready. It is noticeable how the husk darkens and slightly separates.

In caramel in a frying pan

To prepare 500 g of peanuts (without shells) in caramel, you need 60 g of butter, 130 g of sugar. The sweet snack is prepared as follows:

The kernels are rinsed under the tap and poured into a bowl. Pour boiling water over and leave the nuts in the water for 10 minutes. Then the kernels are rubbed together and the husks are peeled off;
dry the peanuts on a towel;
melt butter in a frying pan;
pour granulated sugar into the melted butter and reduce the heat to the minimum level;
Stir the caramel constantly until the sugar grains are completely dissolved and a golden hue appears. Then add peanuts to it and, stirring constantly, fry for ten minutes;
Remove the finished product from the stove and pour it into a bowl.

Can be eaten chilled or warm. The treat keeps well in a plastic container for up to one week.

In the microwave

Cooking peanuts in the microwave has its own peculiarity. If the frying process is not carried out correctly, the nut may remain raw inside and dried out on top.

Therefore, the roasting process is performed in the following order:

choose peanuts covered with husks;
The nuts are washed and dried with a towel. This increases the total cooking time to two minutes;
200 g of peanuts are poured into a container with a wide flat bottom;
strong power of 700-800 watts is selected. The microwave is turned on for a short time (no more than a minute). Open the door and mix the kernels using a wooden spatula. This allows you to achieve uniform roasting;
To determine the degree of readiness of the product, they rely on their own feelings. Several nuts are cooled and tasted;
When the peanuts are fried, they are left in the microwave for 10 minutes. This time is enough for the nuclei to completely “reach”;
Eat chilled peanuts 20-30 minutes after they are taken out of the microwave.

In the oven

Roasting peanuts in the oven is quite easy:

The oven is heated to 150 degrees. At higher temperatures, the product may burn completely;
the nuts are washed and dried with a napkin or towel;
cover the baking sheet with foil;
one layer of nuts is distributed over the surface of the foil and sent to the oven;
After 10 minutes, the peanuts were slightly dry. It is mixed with a wooden stick;
continue to fry for another 3-5 minutes. Then the oven is turned off and the baking sheet with peanuts is left so that the nuts “reach” until they are fully prepared.

To prepare a product in a shell, the time increases by 1.5-2 times. It is advisable to store roasted nuts in paper envelopes. In a room with low humidity, they can lie for one month without becoming damp.

How to make a nut salty

Regular salt will help give the peanuts some originality. This nut is universal and equally loved by both children and adults. The former use it as a treat, and the latter as a beer snack.

This product can be found in any store, but it will be healthier to make salted peanuts at home. In order to salt the product, you should use one of the proposed options:

Making salted peanuts at home is very easy. One of the easiest ways is to sprinkle the beans as they fry. In this case, it is more advisable to use a pre-peeled nut, otherwise the mixture will not be distributed evenly, and some of it will be completely wasted.
You can try salting already prepared peanuts (fried or boiled). This method, like the previous one, will not give uniform coverage. To improve the taste, you need to thoroughly mix the nut with seasoning in a deep container.
You can make peanuts salty by first soaking them in a special solution. To do this, you need to dissolve a certain amount of salt in water and pour the prepared mixture over the already peeled and roasted nuts. Then you need to mix it all and dry it over low heat to remove excess moisture. This method produces completely salt-coated peanuts with high flavor characteristics.
Sometimes peanuts are salted using special spray bottles that allow the solution to be applied to the surface of the kernel. The process uses food-grade plastic containers. The nut is then dried in a frying pan or in an oven.

Calorie content and nutrition

Salted peanuts are not as healthy as raw or roasted peanuts. The reason for this is the presence of salt. Salt can be useful only in minimal quantities - no more than 5 grams per day. But due to its content in almost all products, a person significantly exceeds the daily norm, thereby harming himself. If you are interested in finding out what beneficial elements are contained in peanuts and how they affect the body, read the article: the benefits and harms of peanuts.

Calorie content per 100 grams of salted peanuts is 605 kcal (2549 kJ). The protein part is 26.21g, fats – 48.23g, carbohydrates – 11.74g.

Do not forget to follow the daily norm - this is important. Overeating can cause unpleasant consequences. Read about how many peanuts you can eat per day.

In the microwave

Peanuts are fairly easy to roast in the microwave and only take about 15 minutes.

What ingredients will you need?

2 tbsp. peanuts in husks;
2 tsp. vegetable oil (ideally peanut oil).

Step-by-step cooking process

Place the peanuts in a large glass baking dish and mix evenly with the vegetable oil. You can pour peanuts into a regular bowl.
Next, place the container in the microwave and cook on high for 2 minutes, then remove and stir.
After this, you need to continue cooking and stirring the grains every 2 minutes until they reach the desired level of doneness. Usually it takes 10 minutes. for light frying, and 12-14 minutes. - for the strong.
The finished peanuts need to be left to cool for 10 minutes. before use.

In a shell

Peanuts are rarely cooked in the shell, since it is not edible and requires mandatory peeling. But few people know that after heat treatment it becomes more fragile and brittle, and it will become easier to get rid of it.

What ingredients will you need?

1 kg of peanuts in shell;
2 tbsp. l. peanut butter;
1-2 tbsp. l. kosher salt.

Step-by-step cooking process

It is necessary to preheat the oven to 190°C.
Peanut pods should be rinsed under cold water to remove excess dirt.
Then you need to dry them, place them in a large bowl and toss with peanut butter and salt until completely and evenly coated.
Next, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, place in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
After this, you need to let the pods cool almost completely. They will continue to "cook" due to the residual temperature.
Once the peanuts have cooled, the shells can be removed by squeezing the pods between your palms.

Cooking features

Although baking peanuts in the oven is not that difficult, even this simple task has its tricks. Nuts should be placed on a baking sheet in one layer. This method will ensure uniform roasting, and you will not find half-baked or overcooked kernels in the portion. If you have too many peanuts in stock, then you shouldn’t save time; it’s better to fry them in several batches. The baking sheet should be covered with parchment paper. Although the kernels will not stick to it, it will be much easier to remove them.

During the roasting process, every five minutes you need to open the oven and stir the nuts with a spatula. After the cooking time is over, do not rush to remove the pan from the oven. Let the kernels simmer a little more and gradually cool down. Peeled nuts will need about half an hour to cool, and the kernels in the shell should be left for twice as long. It’s not worth stocking up on this delicacy for future use, as its shelf life is limited.

With sugar

Regular shelled peanuts can be made into a sweet treat by roasting them in the oven with sugar. For a better aroma, it is recommended to add a little cinnamon to the grains.

What ingredients will you need?

2 tbsp. raw peanuts with shells;
1 tbsp. Sahara;
0.3-0.5 tbsp. water;
1 tsp. table salt;
1 tsp. cinnamon, optional.

Step-by-step cooking process

Combine the peanuts, water and sugar in a large saucepan, place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid begins to evaporate.
Next, sprinkle the grains with salt (and cinnamon, if necessary), increase the heat to a slightly higher temperature and continue stirring the mixture every few minutes until the sugar crystallizes.
Fine crystalline sugar powder may form midway through the cooking process. You need to continue stirring the contents of the pan, and the sugar will begin to darken and cover the peanuts with a beautiful glossy crust. Care must be taken not to burn the nuts - if this happens, remove the pan from the heat and lower the heat.
Then you need to turn off the heat and transfer the peanuts to a baking sheet and bake at 160°C for 10-12 minutes.
After this, the mass must be allowed to cool and then broken into individual grains.

It is recommended to store the finished treat in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 weeks.

With salt

You can fry peanuts in a frying pan in their shells with salt. The result is a good snack that you can take with you.

What ingredients will you need?

1 kg peanuts;
0.5 tbsp. l. table salt;
3 tbsp. l. black Himalayan salt.

Step-by-step cooking process

Place table salt and black Himalayan salt in a non-stick frying pan and heat over low heat.
You need to mix them well and let them heat for 1 minute.
Then add peanuts, stir thoroughly and leave for 1 minute. heat.
Next, you need to fry the grains over low heat, stirring continuously, for about 10 minutes, then turn off the stove and leave the pan to cool.

How to fry peanuts in a frying pan with salt. Thanks to the recipe you can get a delicious treat.
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After this, you need to shake off excess salt from the nuts, and they can be eaten.

With garlic

Salty and crunchy peanuts fried in a frying pan with garlic are a great treat for a party or a snack on vacation.

What ingredients will you need?

2 whole heads of garlic;
0.25 tbsp. peanut or any vegetable oil intended for frying;
1 kg of raw peanuts with husks;
8 hot dried chili peppers, lightly crushed, seeds removed;
1 tbsp. l. coarse kosher salt;
2 tbsp. l. fresh lime zest;
2 tbsp. l. fresh lime juice.

Step-by-step cooking process

It is necessary to separate the heads of garlic into cloves, trim off the hard parts, but do not peel them completely. Retaining the skins will prevent the tines from burning.
Next, you need to heat the oil in a large frying pan with a thick bottom over moderate heat, add peanuts, garlic and chili, fry for 10-12 minutes, stirring constantly, until the nuts are browned.
Then add salt, lime juice and zest and stir to coat all the grains well.
It is recommended to place the finished appetizer on plates and serve warm or at room temperature.

Useful tips and tricks

Cooking time for roasted peanuts varies depending on the method used, but the process to produce a crispy final product is the same.

In a frying pan	In the microwave	In the oven
With or without husk	5-10 min.	5-7 min.	15-30 min.
In a shell	15-20 min.	Not recommended	30-80 min.

Other useful tips and tricks for roasting peanuts include:

This product is an excellent source of energy that provides many health benefits. But it should be consumed in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to gas, heartburn and sudden food allergies.
Peanut allergy is one of the most serious food allergies, and such reactions can be life-threatening. If you suspect that you have such an intolerance, it is recommended to undergo examination by an allergist and avoid peanuts and products with their addition if the suspicions are confirmed.
Peanuts are prone to contamination by aflatoxin, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, which is highly toxic and carcinogenic and may contribute to the development of liver cancer. Therefore, it must be remembered that grains that have a greenish-yellow appearance are dangerous and hence should be avoided.
It is recommended to store roasted peanuts in an airtight container for up to one month at room temperature. It will keep in the refrigerator for 6 months and in the freezer for up to a year. The same storage recommendations apply to raw, unshelled peanuts.
In addition to eating as is, the roasted grains can be used to make homemade peanut butter. The process of making it is also very simple and all you really need is a food processor and any additional ingredient that can sweeten the mixture. This oil is great for adding to desserts. Alternatively, you can simply spread it on bread and eat it on its own.
Don't be afraid to experiment. You can roast peanuts with salty, sweet, or a combination of both. For example, adding honey and coarse sea salt is a good option.
Microwave cooking times may vary depending on the appliance, so the time indicated in the recipe may sometimes be insufficient. When roasting in the microwave, you need to monitor the color of the beans. If they remain too pale after the recipe's cooking time, continue heating them in 30-second intervals until the desired texture is achieved.
When making a sweet snack, you can use honey instead of sugar to make the treat healthier.
Chinese five-spice seasoning is typically a mixture of anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and Szechuan pepper. But there are other versions of it, the composition of which may vary. Therefore, it is advisable to study in advance what exactly is included in the selected seasoning. Five Spice gives peanuts a warm and sweet aroma and a slightly spicy taste.
Anise has a licorice-like flavor and its stars should be used whole. When ground, it quickly loses its properties, especially when heated.
Peanut shelling and shelling takes a long time and the quantity of the final product becomes more difficult to calculate. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase already refined grains. From 500 g of shelled peanuts, an average of 350 g of shelled nuts is obtained, which is approximately 3.5 tbsp.
Peanuts may seem soft right out of the oven or microwave, but they will usually develop a crunchy texture once they cool to room temperature.

Be sure to stir the peanuts (hulled or unshelled) during cooking, especially in a frying pan. This is necessary to ensure even cooking, even if you only need to roast the beans for a short time.

With butter

You can fry peanuts in a frying pan in their shells with the addition of butter and a small amount of alcohol. The result is an interesting snack with a pleasant, intense aroma.

What ingredients will you need?

100 g fresh peanuts in husks;
0.25 tbsp. unsalted butter;
a pinch of salt, or to taste;
1 tsp. strong alcohol (vodka or cognac).

Step-by-step cooking process

It is necessary to wash the peanuts, strain and dry.
Next, you need to put the grains in a frying pan along with melted butter, stir and then turn on low heat.
After this, you should fry the nuts, shaking the container from time to time, for 4-5 minutes, or until the grains begin to crack.
At this stage, you need to turn off the heat and mix the contents of the pan well, removing any remaining oil.
Then you need to add 1 tsp. strong alcohol and salt, mix well.
It is recommended to serve the delicacy after it has cooled completely.

How long to fry peanuts in a frying pan

Frying time is usually 15-20 minutes. It is better to determine readiness by tasting the nuts. They begin to crackle slightly in the pan when they are almost done. And the husk darkens and comes off easily.

If you break the finished nut in half, its core should be golden. After you turn off the heat, you can leave the peanuts for a while to finish cooking. But be careful, it may burn.

Without husk

Frying peanuts in a frying pan in their shells is usually more convenient because it doesn't require any preparation.

But there is a way to clean the grains in advance and then cook until golden brown and crispy.

What ingredients will you need?

1 tbsp. peanuts;
1 tbsp. salt;
0.5 tsp. fine salt (optional).

Step-by-step cooking process

You need to dilute a glass of salt in a bowl of water and soak the nuts in this solution for a few minutes.
Then you need to spread the grains on a table or tray and start rubbing them with your hands to remove the husks. It will be easy to clean when exposed to salt water.
Next, rinse the peanuts and dry them completely.
After this, the grains need to be placed in a frying pan set over medium heat, heated and fried, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.