Boiled Peanuts

These Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts are so easy to make at home! This Southern delicacy is an addictive salty snack that requires minimal ingredients.

Boiled peanuts are a Southern staple, a snack that evokes fond memories of roadside stands, family gatherings, and lazy afternoons. If you’ve never tried them, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. And if you have, you know just how addictive these salty, soft, and slightly sweet treats can be.

What Makes This So Great?

Boiled peanuts are beloved for their unique texture and taste. Unlike their roasted counterparts, boiled peanuts are soft and tender, almost bean-like in consistency. This texture, combined with their salty brine, makes for a satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make at home, especially with the help of a slow cooker.

One of the best things about boiled peanuts is their versatility. While the classic recipe calls for just salt and water, you can easily customize them with different seasonings like ranch or Cajun spices. This allows you to tailor the flavor profile to your liking, making each batch a little different and exciting.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To make boiled peanuts, you don’t need much in terms of kitchen equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Slow Cooker: This is the key piece of equipment for making boiled peanuts. A slow cooker allows you to cook the peanuts low and slow, ensuring they come out perfectly tender.

That’s it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

The ingredient list for boiled peanuts is short and sweet. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 1 lb raw peanuts: Look for raw, unroasted peanuts in the shell. These are sometimes labeled as “green” peanuts, though they’re not actually green in color.
2. ¼ – ½ cup coarse salt: Salt is essential for giving the peanuts their characteristic briny taste.
3. Additional seasoning if desired: If you want to add some extra flavor, you can include ¼ + ½ cup of ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or any other seasoning blend you like.

How To Make It

Making boiled peanuts is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Soak the Peanuts: Empty the dry peanuts from the bag into a large bowl. Fill the bowl with water and sprinkle in some salt (about 2 tablespoons). Mix with your hand to ensure the peanuts are well-coated with the salt. Place a heavy plate or bowl over the peanuts to keep them submerged and soak for 2 hours.
2. Drain and Cook: After soaking, drain the peanuts and remove any broken pieces. Dump the peanuts into your slow cooker and fill it with water until the peanuts are covered by about 2 inches. Add ¼ cup of salt and ¼ cup of ranch seasoning (or your preferred seasoning).
3. Cook on High: Stir the mixture, cover with the slow cooker lid, and cook on high until the peanuts reach your desired doneness, usually about 22 hours. Check on the peanuts periodically and add more water as needed to keep them submerged.
4. Finish and Serve: When the peanuts are soft to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Taste and add more salt and ½ cup of ranch seasoning if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

Boiled peanuts have a rich history, particularly in the Southern United States. They’re believed to have originated with African slaves who brought the practice of boiling peanuts from West Africa. The snack became popular in the South due to its simplicity and the availability of peanuts as a crop. Over time, boiled peanuts became a staple at family gatherings, roadside stands, and festivals.

In the early 20th century, the practice of boiling peanuts spread beyond the African American community, becoming a beloved Southern tradition. Today, they’re enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and are considered a quintessential Southern snack.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)?

Boiled peanuts are naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making them a great snack for people with various dietary needs. However, if you’re using seasoning blends, it’s important to check the labels to ensure they don’t contain any animal products or gluten. Here are a few tips for customizing boiled peanuts to fit specific dietary requirements:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Stick to simple seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or other herb and spice blends that don’t contain animal products.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that any seasoning blends you use are certified gluten-free. Many spice blends can contain hidden gluten, so it’s always best to check the label or make your own blends at home.

What’s So Special About Boiled Peanuts?

Boiled peanuts are special because of their unique texture and taste. The boiling process transforms the peanuts from crunchy to soft and tender, creating a snack that’s unlike any other. The salty brine infuses the peanuts with flavor, making them incredibly addictive. Plus, they’re a nostalgic treat for many people, evoking memories of childhood, family gatherings, and Southern hospitality.

What Is The Proper Way To Eat Boiled Peanuts?

Eating boiled peanuts is a simple, hands-on experience. To eat them, you’ll need to crack open the shell, much like you would with a roasted peanut. However, since boiled peanuts are soft, you can often squeeze the shell to pop the peanuts out. Once you have the peanuts out of the shell, you can eat them as is. Some people like to suck the brine out of the shell before cracking it open, but this is entirely up to personal preference.

Is It Good To Eat Boiled Peanuts?

Yes, it’s good to eat boiled peanuts! They’re a nutritious snack, providing protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. However, they can be high in sodium due to the brine, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation if you’re watching your salt intake.

Do You Eat Boiled Peanuts Wet?

Yes, boiled peanuts are eaten wet. They’re cooked in a salty brine, which keeps them moist and tender. When you eat them, the peanuts will still be slightly wet from the cooking process. This is part of what makes them so enjoyable, as the moisture enhances their soft texture and briny taste.

What State Eats The Most Boiled Peanuts?

Boiled peanuts are most popular in the Southern United States, with South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama being particularly fond of this snack. South Carolina even has boiled peanuts as the official state snack! If you’re traveling through the South, you’re likely to find roadside stands and markets selling freshly boiled peanuts.

Is Boiled Peanuts Junk Food?

While boiled peanuts are a salty snack, they’re not considered junk food. They’re a natural, minimally processed food that provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. However, because they can be high in sodium, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How Should I Store This?

If you have leftover boiled peanuts, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can also freeze boiled peanuts for longer storage. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to six months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Boiled peanuts are a delightful and versatile snack that’s easy to make at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different seasonings, you’re sure to enjoy this Southern favorite. So grab some raw peanuts, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the unique taste of boiled peanuts!