Candied Peanuts/ Cardamom Flavored Sugar Peanuts

Candied peanuts gently laced with the flavor of cardamom are delicious little treats that are hard to resist. These beauties are like nut candies, and the crunchiness and sweetness make it a perfect on-the-go snack. They make impressive gifts during holidays. It is a nice thing to set out at a party or nibble on while watching a movie. This recipe of candied peanut is a little different from the other recipes out there. It is deep-fried to crispy golden and coated with sugar syrup. Cardamom adds a sweet floral scent that makes it irresistible. I love making snack peanuts in big batches and just keeping them handy. I have already shared my favorite Indian-style spiced peanuts. I love both the sweet and savory versions. The candied ones are incredibly versatile and can be added as toppings for salads, ice cream, and desserts. But trust me, they will be gone before you realize. It is so addictive!

The candied nut is a popular snack in many countries. It is so easy to make them at home. It tastes just like the store brought ones or like the ones you get from street vendors. You want to find raw, skin-on peanuts for this recipe. The best place to get them is Indian stores or Asian stores. The trick to getting extra crunchy peanuts is to fry them and then coat them with sugar syrup. Corn starch and egg give a crunchy coating to the fried peanuts. They're then quickly tossed in sugar syrup and spread on a baking sheet. It can be stored, for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

For this recipe, I am adding cardamon flavor, but you also try vanilla, nutmeg, mint, or cinnamon flavor. Rose-flavored candied peanuts are so fancy and delicious.

Maple syrup or honey adds warmth and extra flavor to the sugar syrup. You can also add a touch of spice by mixing in cayenne pepper. Coffee powder or cocoa powder also goes well with peanut flavor. You can get creative and customize peanuts to the flavor you like. Give this recipe a try. You will surely love it.

Candied Peanuts/ Cardamom Flavored Sugar Peanuts Recipe

Ingredients
Peanuts- 2 1/2 cups
Corn starch- 3 tbs
Egg- 1
Salt a pinch
Sugar- 3/4 cup
Water- 1/4 cup
Baking soda- 1/8 tsp
Cardamom powder- 1/2 tsp
Oil for frying- 2 cups

In a large mixing bowl, add peanuts and one egg. Mix till all the peanuts are coated, with the egg. Add corn starch and mix well till the peanuts are coated with the corn starch. Set it aside for 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan to medium heat. Drop small portions and try to make sure it does not clump together. Do not overcrowd the pan, and fry in batches. Let them all quietly and steadily sizzle together, stirring and tossing the peanuts at intervals for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the oil using spatula and drain on paper towels. Keep oil temperature at medium, and fry in batches. Let it come to room temperature.

In a heavy bottom pan, add sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Place this on the stove on a low medium flame and heat it. The sugar will start melting and slightly caramelize and thicken. It will take around 6-8 minutes. When it reaches a thick syrup consistency, add a pinch of baking powder. When it starts bubbling, add cardamom powder and fried peanuts. Give it a quick mix and spread it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you find larger chunks, break them with a spatula, and spread the peanuts into a single layer. When it is completely cool, store it in an airtight container.