Raw peanuts are used in Chinese cooking to add flavour and a crunchy texture, and in Hong Kong they are especially popular when stir-fried before being added to dishes. The thin, red skins need to be removed before you use the nuts. To do this, simply immerse them in a pan of boiling water for about two minutes. Drain them and let them cool, and the skins will come off easily. Raw peanuts can be found at health-food shops, good supermarkets and Chinese shops.
ยฉ 1989 Ken Hom. All rights reserved.