How to fry groundnuts with sand or garri for home or business use

Groundnut is my best nut. I always use it to drink garri and for smoothies too. And sometimes I use it for soup. Groundnut is very healthy; it is packed with amazing nutrients that are needed for day-to-day living. 

The first time I fried groundnut was when I was around 9 or 10 years old. I fried it with my childhood bestie for commercial purposes. At the time, my friend wanted to help her grandma fry, so I assisted. We already knew how it's done because we've seen how Grandma does it on multiple occasions.

Items needed to fry groundnut

• Groundnut (Peanuts); There are different types of groundnuts. The one I used is the type that the shell is colored white and red.
• Salt to taste.
• Hot water (enough to cover the groundnut)
• Sharp sand or garri (I prefer garri. Garri can be white or yellow)

The measurement of salt and water you will use depends on the quantity of groundnut (peanuts) you are working with. For the half derica fried I use half tablespoon of salt.

Groundnuts in Lagos are now very expensive. When I went to buy them, my initial plan was to buy one derica, but because of the price increase, I could only afford half derica.

Step-by-step procedure to fry groundnut for beginners 

Preparing the groundnut

1. Clean the groundnut: The groundnut may have some bad ones or dirt amongst them, so carefully select and set them aside.
2. Boil water. The water should be enough to cover the groundnut when you pour it in.
3. Put the groundnut in a big bowl, pour in the hot water and salt, and stir for 2 or 3 seconds. Use a shifter to drain away the water and give it a shake. Do not over-shake it so that the skin will not peel off.
4. Dry the groundnut. Carefully spread the groundnut on a flat tray. Groundnut can be dried under the sun or in an oven. I prefer to use an oven to prevent birds from eating them. 

2 ways to dry groundnut(peanuts) before frying/roasting

• Sun drying: Spread the groundnut on a big sack or tray and put it where the sun can reach. 
• Drying with the oven: spread the groundnut on the oven tray and dry with a minimum heat of 100° (100 degrees).

Frying the groundnut (Peanuts)

• Heat up the garri (or sharp sand you choose to use) in your frying pan. Please do not use a non stick pan. A stainless steel pan is preferred.
• Add the groundnut to the hot garri and fry until the shell becomes easy to remove and the groundnut colors turn to a light golden brown.

How to store groundnut (Peanuts)

After you finish to fry the groundnut, transfer them to a flat tray let them cool off. Store in an airtight container.

You can also check my YouTube channel to watch the video tutorial on this for better understanding.

Healthy benefits of groundnut

🌝Do you know that groundnuts/ peanuts help prevent cancer? Groundnut has anti-cancer properties called bioactive compounds like resveratrol and phytosterols, which reduce inflammation and prevent chronic conditions. 

It is beneficial for youngsters and helps reduce hair loss during pregnancy. Peanut butter can be given to young children by their parents to eat with bread, toast, or sandwiches. Groundnuts have incredible nutrients that the body needs.