Honey chipotle roasted peanuts

Snacking is hard. I don’t snack very often, but when I do get a bit peckish in the middle of the afternoon, it’s sometimes tricky to think of things to nibble on. Apple, banana, orange, and repeat every three days; it gets a bit old. And much as I would love it, it wouldn’t be a great idea to reach for a bag of crisps every single day either.

So, here’s something you can snack on that’s super tasty, but slightly on the healthier side too (as long as you only have a little handful!) – peanuts roasted in a gorgeous mixture of chipotle sauce and honey. It sounds like a weird combination, but I adore the sweet / spicy / smoky contrast. And okay, they’re not exactly raw veggies or cottage cheese, but they’re a darn sight better for you than a big bar of chocolate. At least you’re getting a bit of protein into you!

These honey chipotle roasted peanuts don’t take long to prepare – just a couple of minutes, in fact. Just toss the nuts in some honey (or a vegan alternative if you need), some smoky chipotle paste, a little oil, and some s + p. Give them a good stir, and that’s all there is to it.

They do take half an hour or so to roast though, so try to pre-empt your hunger pangs by a short while. Or, if you’re super organised, roast a big batch at the start of the week so they’re there for grabbing over the next few days.

I’ll warn you: the unbelievably tasty honey chipotle coating on these peanuts does make them stick together a little as they cool, so make sure you let them fully cool in a single layer before throwing them into a tub, or you’ll need an ice pick to hack them apart. Oh, and if you think you’ve ruined the spoon you use to mix them, just run it under some warm water, and any of the hardened honey mixture will melt and come right off (I may or may not have been about to throw a spoon away before I realised how easy it would be to clean it…).

Also, if you’re not sure where you can get chipotle paste from, take a proper look before you write this recipe off completely. A few weeks ago I wouldn’t have been able to tell you where to find it in the UK, but I spotted it in the Mexican section of the supermarket (where the tortillas, taco kits, guacamole etc. are), and I couldn’t resist buying it. And I’m really glad that I allowed myself to buy it completely on a whim – it’s smoky, perfectly spicy (it won’t blow your head off, but does give a nice tingle!), and absolutely beautiful alongside the honey. Give it a go!

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Honey chipotle roasted peanuts

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or vegan alternative)
• 1 tbsp chipotle paste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 150 g peanuts (~ 1 cup)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F).
• Add all of the ingredients, apart from the peanuts, to a large bowl, and mix thoroughly. Add the peanuts, and mix again until they're completely coated.
• Spread the peanuts out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and pour over any excess honey. Roast for around 30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the peanuts are crispy and the honey has dried up.
• When the peanuts are ready, give them one final stir, and spread them out in a single layer again to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Course: Snack

Author: Becca Heyes

Note: nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose.

Here’s another healthier snack idea: butternut squash crisps!