Boiled Peanuts: How To?
In a recent thread (http://www.seriouseats.com/talk/2009/09/boiled-peanuts-6-hours-of-idol-hands.html) a reader was asking about what to do while boiling peanuts...
I've only recently even heard of boiled peanuts, and am intrigued...
First of all, where would I find the green peanuts (I'm in NYC)?
I've read recipes online, but is one way more authentic than another?
What is the "proper" way to season them?
Do you really put them in a can of coke?
Any other traditional or common uses for them?
I'm really at a loss with this one, but I'm dying to try it!
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9 Comments:
There is only one real way.
I get my raws peanuts from a buddy in Dothan, AL but here is a sit I found them on. http://www.whitleyspeanut.com/vcart/itemblock/?itemblock=14.
Get a large pot of boiling water going and put enough salt in it to where it is just barely too salty. Throw in the peanuts, cover with a lid, and sit back and enjoy the smell. Have a beer or 10... it helps the time pass. Takes about 4-6 hours till they are done. To test them... grab one and remove the shell. When it has the salty liquid inside and the peanut is firm but tender... you are done.
If you like a little spice you can add your favorite Cajun spices to it. I use the Zatarains Pro Crab Boil... yummy. Again, the trick is to add just a little too much.
happyeats at 9:39PM on 09/02/09
I love peanuts, but boiled peanuts are nasty, at least the ones my Atlanta brother in law pushed off on me when I was down there were.
tusti at 9:56AM on 09/03/09
The true southern method is simply water, raw peanuts and a good helping of salt. Here's a similar recipe to Happyeat's: http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/rec_detail.php?rID=10&r_mCat=13&r_sCat=no.
Once you get comfortable with making boiled peanuts, branch out to flavored ones like these Sriracha-lime boiled peanuts: http://therecoveringvegetarian.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/sriracha-lime-boiled-peanuts/.
www.nutsonline.com is also a great online source for raw peanuts. They're cheap and very reliable.
Hope this helps- good luck in your boiled peanut adventures! If you have any more questions about peanuts and peanut recipes, feel free to contact me at lmspencer@nationalpeanutboard.org
All the best,
Lindsay Spencer
National Peanut Board
linspenc at 11:56AM on 09/03/09
Yes, what happyeats said, but I'd say it's more like 6-8 hours. Depends how soft you like 'em, and I prefer them pretty soft--otherwise why not just eat roasted peanuts? Also, be sure to check every hour or so to make sure not too much water has evaporated.
I'm not from the south, so I'm not really steeped in the tradition of boiled peanuts, but I think the put-em-in-Coke thing is more of a thing for salty roasted peanuts.
skizziks at 12:20PM on 09/03/09
How long you simmer is up to your personal taste and the temperament of the peanuts, but usually 4 hours is as long as I boil them. I posted my recipe here: http://macandcheesereview.blogspot.com/2006/12/boiled-peanuts.html
If you're not in the South where raw or 'green' peanuts can be found in any Piggly Wiggly, look for them in Asian Markets. And, you put roasted peanuts in a bottle of Coke, not boiled peanuts, but nothings stopping you from putting boiled peanuts in Coke, except that they're so good that you wouldn't dare drop them in Coke.
ricedream24 at 5:00PM on 09/03/09
Oh thank you for this thread! I used to visit GA every summer and boiled peanuts were the one thing I would ask for right away. I got lucky a few years ago and my grandfather bought me some raw peanuts back from his mother's farm in GA. The way I cooked them was in the slow cooker overnight(8+ hours). It was a nice, constant temperature and perfect for boiled peanuts. It really is all about simplicity with boiled peanuts.
amiyrah18 at 2:00AM on 09/04/09
Try Asian markets for raw peanuts. I soak my peanuts overnight before boiling, this cuts down on the cooking time. Sometimes I'll toss a couple of smoked ham hocks in with the peanuts as well as salt and spices. " All da way plumb good, I guaranteeeee"
NWcajun at 2:13PM on 09/04/09
there's a national peanut board?
learn something new everyday!
i'm on team cashew though-ha.
gastronomeg at 2:28PM on 09/04/09
Just a thought that may have been overlooked: Raw p-nuts need 6 to 8 hours to cook, green p-nuts will cook in 2 hours.
1stmakearoux at 11:27AM on 09/05/09