Congress ~ Spicy Peanuts

This is one snack which is welcomed anytime of the day with tea or coffee back at home. As you start eating them, they slowly take your following sense organs and rule them : tongue, nose, ears and eyes. They make them feel their presence. Eyes feel happy and tear, nose says I love you and sniffs, ears get hot while your tongue is busily engaged in coordinating the responses with brain and makes you ask for more! Isn't it wonderful ;-)

People of Bengaluru love them (esp if they love peanuts). Peanuts has fans from all classes of people in India because it is pocket friendly :D. I remember my dad's friends fondly referring it as 'badavana badami = poorman's cashewnut'.

Congress Kadalebeeja - why did they name it so? I was looking for an answer and got it here . Although I have munched it umpteen times for years, I never went upon questioning anyone for it's politicised name. Politics is not my topic of interest :D It is a simple snack which can be made in about 20 mins time if you have a microwave oven, or else it may probably take 15 mins more if you don't have it. Here you go with one of the favorite snack of "namma Bengaluru"

You need the following to make Congress Kadalebeeja/Spicy Peanuts:
Peanuts : Few Cups (as much as you want to make)
Oil (you may need maximum of 1 tbsp for 4 cups of peanuts)
Curry leaves : 1-2 strings

For spice mix : Redchilli powder, turmeric, riceflour(tsp) salt and coarsely powdered black pepper powder. Mix everything and keep it ready.

Method :
Microwave peanuts till they are crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Deskin them.
Heat oil in a pan and add deskinned peanuts and fry for 2-3 mins along with curry leaves. When peanuts get crisp in oil. Switch off the stove and add the spice mix and mix thoroughly. Let it come to room temparature.

How to serve/enjoy:
Make a mug of coffee. Wish for little rain (if it is not raining :P) Start munching spicy peanuts and sip coffee in between ....till you figure out which container to refill :-)