Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts

Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.

Today is the day: the series premiere of Twisted Skillet! RFD Network’s newest food and lifestyle program is the crossroads where restaurant inspiration meets cowboy culinary creativity, exploring open-fire cooking techniques and regional ingredients.

Host and Texas chef Sean Koehler joins us again on Thursday’s Market Day Report for a taste of what we can expect. With “The Big Game” coming up on Sunday, he is sharing some unique recipes to help spice up our weekend festivities. On today’s menu: Cantina Peanuts.

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Cantina Peanuts

Recipe by Sean Koehler, Twisted Skillet

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 20 MINUTES

Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb. Spanish peanuts, raw with skins
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil or neutral frying oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 corn tortillas cut into 1/4-inch squares
  • 5 –8 dried chile de árbol, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Knorr chicken bouillon powder (optional)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large stockpot (at least 4 quarts), heat the oil over medium heat
  2. Add the sliced garlic and fry until lightly golden and crisp. Do not burn. Remove immediately and set aside.
  3. Add the tortilla squares to the same oil and fry until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside with the garlic.
  4. Turn the heat down and add the peanuts and chopped chile de árbol.
  5. Return the oil to medium heat. Continuously stir the peanuts in the Chile and garlic-infused oil.
  6. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peanuts deepen in color and are fully toasted.
  7. Remove from the oil using a metal slotted spoon or wok tool, then transfer the mixture to a serving bowl.
  8. Stir in the fried garlic chips and tortilla chips. Season with salt, to taste.
  9. Let the peanut mixture cool slightly before serving; the peanuts will continue to crisp up as they cool.

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Don’t miss the series premiere of Twisted Skillet TONIGHT — Thursday, Feb. 5, at 9:00 PM ET — only on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+.

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Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

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