Boiled peanuts are a tasty Southern snack! Raw or “green” peanuts are boiled in salted water for hours, creating a soft, salty treat with a unique texture. If you’ve never had this snack, you’re in for a treat!
These delicious nuts are sold at roadside stands and gas stations. Simmer green (raw) peanuts in salty water for hours. You can add spices like Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
I realize that you may not have had these before. Yes, you boil them in the shell! (The garnish below is there to add some color to the photo).
Here in South Carolina, boiled peanuts are our official state snack. Ballgames are better with boiled peanuts!
My home state of Georgia grows lots of peanuts. I grew up in a small southern farming town and still remember the distinct aroma of fresh green peanuts being dug. That wonderful smell always makes me think of my beloved hometown.
I’ve enjoyed boiled peanuts for as long as I can remember. Mama would boil large pots of peanuts and freeze bags of them to enjoy all year long. They freeze well! My favorite way to eat boiled peanuts is half-frozen. Please don’t knock it until you try it. 🙂
Simple Ingredients For Stovetop Boiled Peanuts
- Raw Peanuts In Shell -You want raw or “green” peanuts. These fresh, unroasted peanuts are often found at farmers’ markets or specialty stores. Look for firm pods without blemishes or mold.
- Salt
- Water
Equipment Needed
- 5-quart Pot – you need a large pot for this recipe.
Easy Step-By-Step Directions
Sort through the peanuts and remove empty shells, pieces, or bad ones. Rinse the peanuts and soak for 30 minutes in cold water.
Drain and add them to a 5-quart or larger boiling pot. Sprinkle salt over the peanuts.
Add enough water until the liquid is about an inch over the top of the peanuts.
Set to medium-high heat and boil for 3 ½ hours or until the desired softness has been reached.
You will need to add more water intermittently throughout the boiling process to ensure the water does not get too low, as this could cause the peanuts to burn.
Seasoning Variations
Salt is the classic seasoning. However, many other flavors can be added. Try these options:
- Cajun spice mix for a spicy kick
- Garlic and onion powder for savory notes
- Ham hocks or bacon for a smoky flavor
- Old Bay seasoning for a seafood-inspired taste
Add seasonings at the start of cooking to infuse flavors. Let peanuts soak in the cooking liquid after boiling for a stronger taste.
Experiment with different spice blends to find your favorite combination. Remember, peanuts absorb flavors well, so a little seasoning goes a long way.
How To Store Boiled Peanuts
You can store the boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Drain all excess water from peanuts before storing.
To freeze, let the peanuts cool completely. Place the peanuts in a freezer bag with a little liquid and seal the bag. Boiled peanuts can be stored in the freezer for up to one year.
I like to eat boiled peanuts when they are half-frozen, but that’s probably just me. If you like to eat the peanuts warm, thaw at room temperature and heat in the microwave for about one minute.
I’m also working on a recipe for the slow cooker. Make sure you subscribe to get all my latest recipes sent to your email.
Helpful Tips
-
- The amount of salt is a preference that will change from person to person. Starting with ¼ cups is ideal. Halfway through cooking, taste a peanut; if you want more salt, you can add more.
- The softness level varies from person to person. So, check the peanuts every 2 hours to ensure you get the desired softness level.
- If you use a smaller pot, I highly recommend reducing the number of peanuts you boil at once. When using the stove method, burning boiled peanuts can be very easy if you get too many piled on top of each other.
- It’s important not to turn up the stove as high as it will go. You will risk burning your peanuts before they’re done.
- Soaking and rinsing peanuts removes any debris before they are cooked.
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Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are a tasty Southern snack. These soft, salty treats are made by boiling raw or "green" peanuts in salted water for hours. The result is a warm, savory snack with a unique texture.
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Raw Peanuts In Shell
- ¼ Cup Salt
- Water
Instructions
- Leave the peanuts in the shell! Sort through the peanuts and remove any empty shells, pieces, or bad peanuts. Rinse the peanuts and soak for 30 minutes in cold water.
- Drain the peanuts and add them to a 5-quart or larger boiling pot.
- Sprinkle the salt over the top of the peanuts and then pour water over the peanuts until the liquid is about an inch over the top of the peanuts.
- Set to medium-high heat and let the peanuts boil for 3 ½ hours or until the desired softness has been reached. You will need to add more water intermittently throughout the boiling process to ensure the water does not get too low. If the water gets too low, the peanuts could burn.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Store cooled boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze boiled peanuts in a freezer bag for up to a year.
The amount of salt is a personal preference. I recommend starting with the 1/4 cup. Halfway through the cooking time, taste a peanut and add more salt if desired.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
32Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 166Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 0mgSodium 890mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 8g
