Fried corn and groundnut is a popular snack in many parts of the world, especially in West Africa and Asia. This tasty snack is made by frying fresh corn kernels and groundnuts (also known as peanuts) in oil until crispy and golden brown. It’s a perfect treat for any time of the day, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a side dish for a meal. In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious homemade fried corn and groundnut that will satisfy your cravings.
Why Make Homemade Fried Corn and Groundnut?
- Cost-effective: Making homemade fried corn and groundnut is much cheaper than buying it from a store or food vendor. You can buy fresh corn and groundnuts in bulk and make as much as you want.
- Healthier: When you make your own fried corn and groundnut, you have control over the ingredients and cooking oil used. This means you can choose healthier options and reduce the amount of salt and sugar used.
- Customizable: With homemade fried corn and groundnut, you can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavors that suit your taste buds.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh corn kernels: You can use either white or yellow corn kernels. If using frozen corn kernels, make sure to thaw them first.
- Groundnuts (peanuts): You can use either raw or roasted groundnuts. If using roasted groundnuts, skip the roasting step in the recipe.
- Vegetable oil: You can use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, palm oil, or sunflower oil.
- Salt: Use plain salt or seasoned salt, depending on your preference.
- Sugar: Optional, but recommended to balance out the flavor.
- Spices and seasonings: Choose your favorite spices and seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or black pepper.
Recipe: Homemade Fried Corn and Groundnut
1: Roasting the Groundnuts (Optional)
If using raw groundnuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the groundnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let the groundnuts cool completely before using.
2: Preparing the Corn Kernels
Rinse the corn kernels and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any debris or broken kernels.
3: Frying the Corn Kernels
Heat about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few corn kernels to test the temperature. If they sizzle and rise to the surface, the oil is ready.
Add the corn kernels to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn kernels are golden brown and crispy.
4: Frying the Groundnuts
Using the same oil, add the roasted groundnuts (or raw groundnuts if not roasting) in batches and fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5: Seasoning
In a large bowl, combine the fried corn kernels and groundnuts. Sprinkle salt, sugar, and your desired spices and seasonings over the mixture. Toss everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
6: Serving
Transfer the fried corn and groundnut mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Use the right corn: Fresh corn kernels are essential for making delicious fried corn. Look for plump, fresh kernels with no signs of mold or spoilage.
- Don’t overfry: Fried corn and groundnuts can quickly become too crispy or burnt if overfried. Monitor the frying time and temperature carefully.
- Add flavor with spice: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique flavors. Some options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, or black pepper.
- Add a little acidity: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the fried corn and groundnut.
- Make it a snack mix: Mix the fried corn and groundnut with other snack ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit, to create a delicious snack mix.
READ MORE: Why Roasted Corn and Coconut Combo is Common among Nigerians