Kulikuli is a peanut snack that is a popular staple across West Africa, but we’re bringing this Nigerian treat into your home kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you’ll be whipping up this hearty, protein-packed snack in no time.
This recipe for kulikuli is about to become your new go-to snack. So, get ready to make a big batch of this addictive peanut goodness. With a satisfying crunch and bold, deep flavor, we know this super simple snack will become a fast favorite in your home.
History and Origin of KuliKuli
Kulikuli has a long history in Nigeria, dating back centuries. It originated in the northern regions, where peanuts were commonly grown. Kuli-kuli has been around for centuries. Traditionally made by Hausa communities in northern Nigeria, kuli-kuli was created as a shelf-stable source of protein.
The peanuts are first shelled, roasted, and ground into a paste. The paste is then seasoned with spices like chili peppers, ginger, and cloves.
Once seasoned, the paste is rolled into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. These little morsels are then sun-dried or fried until hardened. The end result is a savory, crispy peanut brittle that can last for months without spoiling.
Kuli-kuli gets its name from the Hausa word “kuli kuli,” meaning “rolling and turning.” This refers to the rolling and shaping of the peanut paste into ropes. The snack is popular throughout Nigeria and beyond, and it is enjoyed on special occasions or as an everyday snack. Many Nigerians will pack kuli-kuli when traveling as a reminder of home or to share with friends and family.
Kulikuli has also become popular nationwide as a savory snack. It is sold by street vendors, in open-air markets, and in stores. Some commercial producers now package kuli kuli to distribute to wider audiences. Its crunchy, nutty flavor and health benefits have gained many fans both in Nigeria and abroad.
How to Make Crunchy Nigerian Peanut Snack (KuliKuli)
To make kuli kuli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups unsalted peanuts, roasted
- Pinch dried ginger, or to taste (optional)
- Pinch-dried chili, or to taste (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- For sweet kuli kuli: 1 tablespoon sugar
- For savory kulikuli: 1 tablespoon salt
Roast the peanuts
First, shell and roast the raw peanuts. Spread the peanuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350 F for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Let cool.
Grind the peanuts
Once cooled, grind the peanuts with dry ginger and dry chili pepper into a coarse powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. Do not add water at this point.
Mix everything together
Add 1/4 cup water into the paste. Mix the paste consistently, much like you would a cake batter. Use a mixer if you have one. You will begin to observe oil forming. Once the oil has been entirely absorbed into the paste, it will begin to form. If you’re using a mixer, this should take roughly one minute. If you mix by hand, it should take about 5 minutes.
Add Either Salt or Sugar (Depends on Preference)
Depending on whether you’re creating sweet or savory cookies, add the salt or sugar gradually while kneading the mixture and extracting the oil. Taste occasionally. (Be careful not to use too much salt since it can spoil your cookies. One tablespoon or less is plenty for four cups of peanuts.
Drain the oil
Drain the oil into a pan. Do not add any additional water to the paste. Don’t worry about how much oil you are able to drain.
Fry the Cookie
Preheat the pan with the drained oil. Before dropping the cookies into the simmering oil, shape and size them as desired. Do not add more oil to the pan. When you fry the cookies, they will produce more oil. The longer you fry the cookie, the crunchier it will become; however, be sure it does not burn. They should be a deep brown color when finished. Fry for a few minutes, depending on how crunchy you want them.
Your homemade Kulikuli is now ready to enjoy! The cookie’s shelf life is determined by its level of dryness. The drier it is, the longer it lasts. Store any leftover Kulikuli in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Kulikuli is usually eaten as a snack. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy Kulikuli!
Kuli Kuli Recipe Variations
Kulikuli comes in many delicious flavors depending on the region in Nigeria. Some of the most popular variations include:
Peanut and Chili – For those who like it spicy, add some chili peppers to the peanut paste before frying. The heat from the chilies perfectly complements the nutty peanut flavor.
Peanut and Honey – For a sweeter kuli kuli, stir in a few tablespoons of honey to the peanut paste. The honey will caramelize as it fries, resulting in a crunchy peanut brittle-like treat.
Peanuts and Dates – Chopped dates are also commonly added to kuli kuli. The natural sugar in the dates helps the kulikuli clump together better during frying while also providing little bursts of chewy sweetness.
You can also get creative and combine multiple mix-ins, such as peanut, honey, and chili. Kulikuli is meant to be versatile and customized to your own tastes. So feel free to experiment with different flavorings and come up with your own signature kuli kuli recipe!
Nutritional Benefits of Kuli Kuli
Kuli Kuli is chock-full of health benefits. Here are a few reasons this crunchy peanut snack should be part of your diet:
- Protein Powerhouse: Kuli Kuli is a great source of plant-based protein, with about 7 grams in a one-ounce serving. Protein helps build and repair muscle.
- Healthy Fats: Kuli Kuli contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fats. These fats can help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.
- Fiber Filler: A one-ounce serving of Kuli Kuli has 3 grams of fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps you feel full and may help lower cholesterol.
- Vitamin E: Kuli Kuli is high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Vitamin E may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.
- Magnesium: Kuli Kuli provides 10% of your daily need for magnesium, a mineral important for bone health, blood pressure regulation, and metabolism.
- Zinc: Kuli Kuli is also a good source of zinc, containing about 10% of your daily needs in one ounce. Zinc plays an important role in immune function, growth, and cell division.
- Iron: Kuli Kuli contains 3% of your daily iron needs in one ounce, which helps prevent anemia and supports red blood cell production.
- B Vitamins: Kuli Kuli is a source of B vitamins like niacin, folate, and thiamine. B vitamins help convert food into energy and play many other important roles in the body.
In summary, Kuli Kuli is a nutritious snack with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. Adding this West African peanut snack to your diet has many benefits for your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Today, kuli kuli remains an important part of Nigeria’s culinary heritage. It is still homemade in many households, using traditional methods passed down through generations. The peanuts are usually roasted before being ground into a paste. Spices like chili peppers and ginger are commonly added for extra flavor.
For Nigerians, kulikuli evokes nostalgia for childhood and cultural tradition. It remains a staple at social gatherings and celebrations and a source of national pride. Though a simple peanut snack, kulikuli has enduring significance as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich food history and diversity. Preserving its place in the country’s culinary traditions is important for future generations.