Boiled Peanuts
Unless you are originally from the deep South, or currently live there, you have probably never heard of boiled peanuts. Oh how I love them! Our weekend trips to the beach often included stopping by a produce stand – as long the stand had a sign that read “Hot, Boiled Peanuts”.
Like this one.
Definitely, a summer time tradition.
When we lived in NYC, I bought peanuts like these
Good, but just not the same.
Unfortunately, I can’t find them in TX. Or Louisiana. And since the closest roadside stand that sells them is over 8 hours away…I decided to make my own.
2 lbs. raw peanuts – I found these at the store beside the roasted peanuts – they look very similar. I tried to find raw, green peanuts, but to no avail. The fresher ones cook faster.
Anyway.
Put peanuts in large pot and cover them with water. Let peanuts soak overnight. They will plump up a bit, so make sure the pot is large.
After their overnight soak, add 1 cup of salt. Turn on high heat. Once peanuts begin to boil, you can reduce to medium heat. Cooking times will vary. Mine took close to 8 hours. I know. I know. I can see the crazy look on your face right now. But, yes, it does take that long.
As they cook, you may need to add water from time to time.
***DO NOT turn these babies on, leave, and return hours later – You must keep an eye on them***
After about 6 hours, dip one out and let it cool. You need to taste for doneness.
It should not be crunchy.
Or hard. It should be a little soft. Someone once said it reminds them of a chickpea/garbanzo bean.
You should be able to taste the salt. If it is too salty, then add more water.
When mine finished, they were a bit salty. If you let food sit (heat off) in salt water, the salt absorbs into the food even more. So, at hour 7, I drained the salt water (using a colander) and added fresh water. I brought the peanuts back to a boil, and cooked for an additional hour.
This is what the peanut looks like when finished. Such yummy goodness!
Messy? Yes. Paper towels will be needed.
If you have never eaten boiled peanuts, and decide to try them, please let me know how your batch turns out – and what you think about this southern cuisine.
Happy Thursday!
Jen
We make them quite often during the summer!
I will be making more!!!
I ADORE boiled peanuts ! They have them on roadside stands all along the East Coast. I ate them first in Florida but lived in N.C. for 9 yrs so I had access to these delicious morsels for 9 yrs. Now living back in Louisiana, I have to make mt own so thanks so much for this post !!!!
I could eat another 2lbs right now..LOL! Gave some to our neighbors – they didn’t like them at all ha! Thank you for taking time to comment!
I love boiled peanuts! One of those most unlady-like foods to eat, kinda like crawfish….but then we southern belles have to let our hair down everynow and then! :0) You’ve made me want to try boiling some! Love your blog btw!
Thank you so much! And, yes, we are entitled from time to time haha! Let me know if you try the recipe :)
Jen, I can get them at our local Brookshires. I will have to bring you some when we come out. I have never tried boiling them myself. I may have to give this a try!!!
Brookshires has a little bit of everything…shrimp, boiled peanuts, and every bottle of wine and alcohol on the market lol!
I have wanted to try these! I am so excited I found your blog! I have to pin these… I am your newest follower. I would love it if you would check out my blog and become my newest follower! Oh, I also have a giveaway going on now too!
Have a great day!
Kirsten
Thank you!!!! I am going to your site now :)