Boiled Peanuts

Name: Boiled Peanuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 220 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell (green peanuts if available), rinsed; 12 cups water; 1/3 cup kosher salt

A quintessential Southern roadside snack: raw peanuts slow-simmered in heavily salted water until tender, briny, and irresistibly soft. Plan ahead: peanuts need 3-4 hours of simmering time.

220 minEasyServes 8200 cal/serving

Southern AmericanAppetizerStovetopVeganHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell (green peanuts if available), rinsed
12 cups water
1/3 cup kosher salt

Instructions

1

Place 2 lbs rinsed raw peanuts in the shell (green peanuts if available) in a large pot. Add 12 cups water and 1/3 cup kosher salt. The water should cover the peanuts by at least 2 inches; add more water if needed.
2

Place a heavy lid or a plate directly on top of the peanuts to keep them submerged. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3

Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook uncovered (or with the lid slightly ajar) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed to keep the peanuts submerged.
4

Begin tasting for doneness around the 3-hour mark. The peanuts are ready when the shells are soft enough to squish easily and the peanut inside is tender, not crunchy.
5

Remove from heat. Let the peanuts soak in the salty brine for at least 30 minutes before draining - they will absorb more salt and flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Questions

How long does Boiled Peanuts take?

As written, 220 minutes: 10 of prep and 210 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 3 (4 hours): "Cook uncovered (or with the lid slightly ajar) for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally and adding more water as needed to keep the peanuts submerged." That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Does Boiled Peanuts contain peanuts?

Yes: 2 lbs raw peanuts in the shell (green peanuts if available), rinsed. The full allergen list for this entry is peanuts. Where the peanuts are a garnish, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds give the same crunch. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Boiled Peanuts?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 200 calories, with 8 g protein, 53 g carbohydrate and 1 g fat, plus 5 g fiber and 213 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I make Boiled Peanuts ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate what is left of Boiled Peanuts within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Boiled Peanuts?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Halved, the peanuts drops from 2 lbs to 1 lb; doubled, it is 4 lbs. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Comeback Sauce sauce
Sweet Tea drink
Mint Julep drink

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