Homemade Salted Peanuts (Khari Sing): Your New Go-To Crunchy Snack!
When you crave that perfect Indian snack – affordable, addictive, crunchy, and packed with goodness – Salted Peanuts, or Khari Sing, are always at the top of the list. Think about it: whether you’ve grabbed a spicy paper cone from a street vendor on a scorching summer day or munched on them with chai during a cozy monsoon evening, these little powerhouses are truly one of India’s most cherished snacks. They cross all boundaries – age, class, region, even generations. From our grandparents to eager schoolchildren, everyone just loves their crunch, their flavor, and how quickly they banish hunger.
In Gujarat, particularly in places like Bharuch, Khari Sing isn’t just a snack; it’s practically a legacy. Bharuch often boasts the title of India’s peanut capital, famous for its high-quality groundnuts that travel across the entire country. But here’s the best part: you don’t need to live in Bharuch or even buy a fancy branded packet to enjoy authentic Gujarati-style salted peanuts. You can whip them up easily at home with just two simple ingredients – groundnuts and salt – and your trusty microwave! Seriously, no oven, no gas stove, no messy frying – just your microwave and a few minutes of your time.
And this isn’t just about making things easy. When you make salted peanuts at home, you get to skip the preservatives that often sneak into store-bought versions. You’re in control of the salt level, meaning you can make them just right for you. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy them absolutely fresh. As an added bonus, these naturally roasted and salted groundnuts boast an impressive shelf life. They’re the perfect “jar snack” – staying wonderfully crispy for weeks if you store them properly.
Why You’ll Love This Microwave Khari Sing Recipe:
This salted peanut recipe is a game-changer for so many people:
- Busy parents: Quickly whip up protein-packed snacks for the kids.
- College students: Affordable munchies are a must for those late-night study sessions.
- Working professionals: A healthy, satisfying option for your desk at the office.
- Food creators: A fantastic way to showcase traditional Indian snacks with a modern twist.
What’s even better? This particular recipe has been meticulously tested and simplified specifically for the microwave. Forget the traditional methods of roasting on sand (which street vendors use) or the oil-laden fried versions you find in packets. This microwave method for making salted peanuts is healthier, cleaner, and incredibly accessible.
Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry woven around this humble snack. In South India, people often call them “Falli” or “Daane.” In other parts of India, they go by names like Sing Dana, Moongfali, or simply roasted peanuts. But in Gujarat – especially in snack-loving cities like Rajkot or the historic peanut hub Bharuch – they’re always affectionately known as Khari Sing. For countless individuals, this snack instantly conjures memories of long train rides, bustling roadside stalls, school lunchboxes, or lazy Sunday afternoons, perhaps with a refreshing glass of buttermilk and a handful of peanuts.
Why Make Salted Peanuts (Khari Sing) at Home?
- Healthier Choice: Store-bought salted peanuts are often deep-fried in who-knows-what kind of oil and can contain unwanted preservatives. Homemade means you’re making a better choice for your body.
- Budget-Friendly: Buying raw peanuts in bulk is almost always much, much cheaper than grabbing those branded snack packs from the store.
- Totally Customizable: Want a little kick? Add a dash of red chili powder, a sprinkle of chaat masala, or some freshly crushed black pepper for a spicier version that’s just for you.
- Super Quick & Easy: This microwave method means you’ll be snack-ready in under 15 minutes. Talk about instant gratification!
- Protein Powerhouse: Peanuts stand out as one of the best sources of plant-based protein. This makes them a fantastic option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a protein boost.
- The Perfect Jar Snack: Make a generous batch and store it in an airtight container. You’ll have a quick, healthy snack ready to grab anytime you need it.
This recipe smartly uses microwaving techniques for both marinating and gently dry-roasting the peanuts. This gives you that authentic salted flavor you crave, without any need for messy sand roasting or frying. All you’ll require is a narrow, microwave-safe cup, a microwave-safe plate, and your ingredients. It’s incredibly helpful for those living abroad, students in dorms, or anyone with a minimal kitchen setup.
Popular Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Salted Peanuts (Khari Sing)
- Tea-Time Buddy: They’re a classic, serving them alongside a warm cup of chai or coffee.
- Chaat Booster: Toss them into your favorite bhel puri or sev puri for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Kids’ Favorite: Mix them with some jaggery chunks for a surprisingly nutritious and appealing mini-meal.
- Lunchbox Filler: A simple, satisfying side for both children’s and adults’ lunchboxes.
- Healthy Bar Snack: A fantastic, healthier alternative to fried snacks for those enjoying beer or mocktails.
- Travel Munchies: Lightweight, non-perishable, and wonderfully satisfying for any journey.
Why This is the BEST Salted Peanut Recipe You’ll Find!
Unlike many recipes that might ask you to deep-fry, bake, or navigate complicated oven-roasting methods, this one relies solely on your microwave. This makes it:
- Quick: The entire process takes less than 15 minutes.
- Oil-free: A much healthier choice for your heart and your waistline.
- Foolproof: Virtually no risk of burning or undercooking your precious peanuts.
The clever microwave marination step helps infuse the salt deep into the nuts without the need for soaking them overnight. Subsequently, the drying and roasting steps perfectly mimic the crispiness you’d get from a roadside vendor – all from the comfort of your home, and without any questionable additives.
Pro Tips Before You Start
- Start with Raw: Always use raw, unroasted peanuts. Avoid any that are pre-salted or already roasted.
- Cool Down: Be patient! Always let them cool completely after microwaving. This is when they truly harden and crisp up.
- Even Layers: When microwaving, spread the peanuts in an even, single layer. Clumping can lead to uneven cooking, leaving some soggy and others burnt.
- Taste Test: Everyone’s salt preference is different, and peanut size can also play a role. Taste a few after they cool and adjust the salt level in future batches if needed.
Bonus Ideas: Flavor Up Your Khari Sing!
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Red Chili Powder: For that fiery, Andhra-style kick that will awaken your senses.
- Dry Mango Powder (Amchur): Adds a wonderful, zesty tang that brightens the flavor.
- Chaat Masala: Give them a classic North Indian street-food twist with this zesty blend.
- Curry Leaves & Mustard Seed Tempering: For a truly aromatic South Indian masala peanuts vibe.
Final Thoughts
In a world increasingly flooded with processed and often expensive snacks, it feels truly grounding to return to the basics. And what better place to start that journey than with Khari Sing – arguably the original Indian munchie. Whether you know them as salted peanuts, groundnuts, or moongfali, one thing remains certain: they are timeless and here to stay.
This homemade salted peanut recipe isn’t just about making food; it’s about embracing tradition, revisiting nostalgia, and bringing wholesome, utterly delicious snacking back into our kitchens. From traditional Gujarati homes to bustling global kitchens, Khari Sing continues to be a crunchy symbol of Indian culinary simplicity and joy.

Homemade Salted Peanuts Recipe (Khari Sing) – Gujarati Microwave Version
Ingredients
- 1 cup Groundnuts सिंग दाने / मुंगफली
- 1 tbsp Salt नमक
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the salt solution
- Take ½ cup water in a narrow microwave-safe cup (narrower cups help ensure the peanuts are submerged).
- Add 1 tbsp salt and stir to dissolve completely.1 tbsp Salt
Step 2: Soak peanuts
- Add the groundnuts into this salted water. Mix well and ensure they’re completely submerged.1 cup Groundnuts

Step 3: Microwave for initial soak
- Microwave on high power for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Strain & spread
- Strain all the water using a fine strainer.

- Spread the peanuts on a microwave-safe plate in a single, even layer (no clumps).
Step 5: Dry the peanuts
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring every minute (3 times in total). This ensures even drying.

Step 6: Rest
- Let the peanuts sit and dry for 10–15 minutes. This helps them crisp up fully.







