Boiled Peanuts
User Reviews
5
Boiled Peanuts
Description
Boiled Peanuts recipe starts by thoroughly washing raw or green peanuts, ensuring any bad pods are removed. The peanuts are placed in a large pot with water and kosher salt, along with optional seasonings to introduce extra flavor. After bringing to a boil, the heat is lowered to a simmer, and the peanuts cook covered for several hours. Weighting them down helps keep them submerged for even cooking.
The simmering duration ranges from 2 to 8 hours or more depending on the type of peanut and desired tenderness—green peanuts cook faster and soften more quickly than raw peanuts. The final texture can range from slightly firm to very soft, with the salty water imparting a savory character through the shells to the peanuts inside.
This cooked snack can be enjoyed warm or cooled, and water levels should be monitored during cooking to keep the peanuts covered. The flexible simmering time allows customization to suit different textural preferences for this classic preparation.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peanut NOT roasted peanuts, raw or green, in the shell
- 4 quarts water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt adjust according to taste; 1/2 cup is typical, or sea salt
- 3 tablespoons seasoning of choice (optional) (see blog post for lots of delicious ideas!)
Instructions
- Wash the peanuts to remove any debris, discarding any bad peanuts while you're at it. If you're using green peanuts, wash them 3 times, changing the water between washes. If you're using raw peanuts you only need to wash them once.
- Place the peanuts in a large pot with the water and salt and stir to combine. Stir in any additional seasonings if using. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the peanuts simmer. I weigh down the peanuts with a large dinner plate to ensure they remain immersed under water. Allow the peanuts to simmer for about 2 to 4 hours for green peanuts or 5-8 hours for raw peanuts, depending on the desired tenderness. Some people let them simmer all day. Check the peanuts occasionally for desired doneness. Some people prefer them very soft, almost mushy, while others like them firmer. Check the water level periodically and add more water as needed. Once the peanuts have achieved their desired degree of doneness, remove the pot from the heat and let the peanuts cool in the cooking liquid. Once cooled, drain the peanuts. Boiled peanuts can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or cold. You can reheat them in the microwave if you prefer them warm. To eat, crack open the shells, eat the nuts inside, and discard the shells. They will store in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 418 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 418kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Potassium | 566mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Calcium | 1mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.