Boiling peanuts involves simmering raw or green peanuts in salted water for several hours until they become soft and flavorful.
Basic Ingredients and Preparation
- Use raw or green peanuts (not roasted).
- Wash the peanuts thoroughly.
- Use plenty of water and a generous amount of salt (about 1/2 cup for 2 pounds of peanuts).
- Optional seasonings can include Cajun spices, garlic powder, bay leaves, or others for extra flavor.
Steps to Boil Peanuts
- Place the washed peanuts in a large pot or pressure cooker with water and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Weigh down the peanuts so they remain submerged.
- Simmer for 2-4 hours for green peanuts or 5-8 hours for raw dried peanuts, until soft and tender (or longer for preferred softness).
- Check periodically, adding water if needed.
- After boiling, let peanuts cool in the cooking liquid for better flavor absorption.
- Drain and serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Alternative Methods
- Pressure cooker: Boil on high pressure for about 70 minutes, then let pressure release naturally.
- Slow cooker: Simmer on low for 10-12 hours.
- Cooking times vary with peanut type and desired tenderness.
How to Eat
Crack open the shells and enjoy the soft, salty peanuts inside. They can be stored refrigerated for up to a week and reheated if desired.
This process yields a Southern-style snack popular in parts of the US and available with various seasoning options to suit taste preferences.
