Food Network

Boiled Peanuts

4.50
(17)

Our boiled peanuts recipe is a salty, Southern hug in a bowl, a humble snack that’s steeped in tradition and packed with down-home charm.

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Ingredients

Method

1) Wash the peanuts in cool water until the water runs clear. Soak in cool water for 30 minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.

2) Drain and rinse the peanuts. Add the peanuts to a 13.5 litre pot along with the salt and 3 gallons of water. Stir well. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Check the texture of the peanut at this point for doneness. When done, boiled peanuts should have a similar texture to a cooked dry bean. It should hold its shape, but not crunch when bitten. Add more water throughout the cooking process, if needed. If necessary, continue cooking for 3 to 4 hours longer.

3) Drain the peanuts and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

*Cook's note: The cooking time can vary greatly depending on how fresh the peanuts are. The fresher the peanut, the less time it will take to cook.
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Overall Rating:
4.50
(17)

Southern comfort in every shell: The ultimate boiled peanuts recipe

Prepare to crack open a taste of the Deep South with our irresistible boiled nuts recipe. This iconic snack transforms raw peanuts and rock salt into a crave-worthy, finger-licking treat.

Think of this cooked peanuts recipe as the South’s answer to edamame - a salty, briny, and oddly addictive snack made by simmering raw, shell-on peanuts in heavily salted water for hours, where they emerge tender, slightly mushy, and bursting with savoury flavour.

But these delicious nuts aren’t just for shelling! Puree them into creamy soups, fold into a classic cornbread batter, or mix with garlic and herbs for a Southern-style pâté. For a global twist, add this boiled peanuts recipe to Thai-inspired curries or traditional Indian chaats. You can even add Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

Once a humble staple, our boiled nuts recipe can also star in delicious dishes such as peanut risotto, silky sauces, and even peanut-infused cocktails. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a tasty alternative to tortilla chips and dips, this boiled peanuts recipe is your ticket to scrummy Southern authenticity.