Microwave Masala Shenga / Spiced Peanuts

The much awaited Friday is here. What's your weekend plan? Here, its still raining and cold. So, no outdoor activity for us. For our indoor movie special, I am making some snacks. 

Along with the good old popcorn, we like to binge on nuts as well. Crunchy spiced peanuts are generally deep fried. Nowadays, I make a low fat version of these Masala Peanuts in a microwave. 10 - 15 minutes is all you need for a healthy tasty homemade snack.

Ingredients:
Raw Peanuts/ Groundnuts - 2 cups
Besan/Chickpea Flour/Gram Flour - 1/4 cup
Rice Flour - 1 tsp
Cumin/Jeera Powder - 1 tsp
Coriander/Dhania Powder - 1 tsp
Chat Masala or Aamchur Powder - 1 tsp
Red Chili Powder - 3/4 tsp
Cooking Spray or Oil
Salt

How to cook Masala Peanuts in a microwave:

• In a mixing bowl or a big plate, add peanuts, chickpea flour, coriander powder, cumin powder, chat masala, chili powder and salt to taste.  Mix all the ingredients. Add about 2 tbsp water and mix with your hands to coat the peanuts well. Peanuts will appear slightly moist. Lastly, add rice flour and mix again. Now the peanuts will look slightly powdery.
• Grease a microwave safe plate with cooking spray or oil. Spread the peanuts on the plate evenly. Spray some more oil. Microwave for about 6 minutes. Make sure you stop the microwave after every one minute and toss the peanuts. Let the peanuts cool completely. If they are not crunchy enough, microwave for another minute or so. Store in an airtight container after the peanuts cool down completely.
• If you like cashews/kaju, try this recipe of Microwave Masala Kaju. Any other nuts like Almonds/Badam, Pecans, Walnuts can be spiced in a similar savory style.

Have a great weekend!