Zambian Roasted Groundnuts

About This Recipe

Roasted groundnuts are woven into the fabric of everyday Zambian life, sold in small paper cones at every market, bus station, and street corner across the country. Zambia is one of Africa's largest peanut producers, and the humble roasted groundnut is both a quick snack and an ingredient in countless recipes from ifisashi to chikanda. The roasting is traditionally done in a large cast-iron pot over a wood fire with sand to distribute heat evenly. Home roasting in an oven or dry pan yields excellent results and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500 graw peanuts, in shells or shelled
• 1 tspcoarse sea salt
• 0.5 tspchilli powder (optional)
• 0.5 tspsmoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven

   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread peanuts in a single layer on a baking tray. (Alternatively, heat a large dry frying pan or cast-iron pot over medium heat.)

2. 2

   Roast

   Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through, until the skins are papery and the nuts are golden and fragrant. If pan-roasting, stir constantly for 15–20 minutes over medium heat.

3. 3

   Season

   While still hot, toss the peanuts with salt and chilli powder or paprika if using. Spread on a clean tray to cool — they will crisp up further as they cool.

4. 4

   Serve

   Serve in small bowls or paper cones as a snack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Variations

• •

  Add a pinch of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet-roasted version.

• •

  Use in ifisashi, chikanda, or groundnut soup instead of buying pre-roasted nuts.

• •

  Mix with dried kapenta for a classic Zambian trail mix.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions