Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Boiled peanuts are a beloved southern roadside snack that can easily be made at home with just a few ingredients. The process is simple, and you can season them to your personal taste with various spices. Here's how to make them!

How to Make Boiled Peanuts

Follow the steps below for a simple, flavorful treat that is perfect for snacking or sharing with friends. Get creative with your seasoning and enjoy these peanuts just the way you like them!

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds raw peanuts, in shells
• 1 cup salt (or to taste)
• Water to cover peanuts

Instructions:

Step 1: Start by washing the raw peanuts thoroughly. Place them into a large pot.

Step 2: Add salt to the pot. The amount of salt can be adjusted based on your preference, but a cup is usually a good start.

Step 3: Add enough water to fully cover the peanuts. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the peanuts simmer for about 3 hours. During this time, the peanuts will begin to soften and absorb the salty water.

Step 5: After 3 hours, take a peanut out and check its softness. If its not soft enough for your liking, continue boiling, checking the peanuts every 30 minutes until you reach the desired texture. If you like them super soft, you may want to let them cook all day.

Step 6: Taste the water for seasoning. If needed, add more salt and continue cooking until the peanuts are fully softened and the flavor is just right.

Step 7: Once the peanuts have reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Allow them to sit and soak for a few more hours for extra tenderness.

Step 8: To serve, crack open the shells and enjoy the juicy, savory peanuts inside. Dont forget to sip on the flavorful liquid left behind in the shell!

Tips for Perfect Boiled Peanuts

If youve never tried boiled peanuts, its worth experimenting with this recipe! Here are a few tips for making the best batch:

• Use green peanuts: If you can find fresh green peanuts (available in late summer), theyll cook much faster than dried peanuts. If you're using dried peanuts, expect a longer cook time.
• Weigh the peanuts down: Dried peanuts tend to float on the surface of the water. You can use a small pot lid or a similar weight to ensure they stay submerged during cooking.
• Let them soak: After boiling, turn off the heat and let the peanuts soak for a few extra hours to get them as tender and juicy as possible.
• Get creative with seasonings: While this recipe uses just salt, you can add spices like cayenne, garlic powder, Old Bay, paprika, or even Cajun seasoning to give your peanuts a unique twist!

How to Store Boiled Peanuts

If you end up with extra peanuts, you can freeze them for later. Simply place them in freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to a few months. To reheat, just boil them again for a few minutes to restore their flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 322
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 9g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 2345mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Calcium: 54mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Potassium: 401mg

Note: Nutritional values are based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Community Tips:

• "Delicious recipe! I let them cook a bit longer, and they turn out perfect every time." - Faith N.
• "Great base recipe! You can spice it up however you like. I add Old Bay seasoning. Freezing them is also an option for later!" - REGINAHARRIS
• "If you're cooking a large batch (5 pounds of peanuts), make sure to use a big pot. Also, add bouillon cubes for extra flavor!" - FIGHTPILOTSWIFE