Boiled Peanuts

Step 1

Sort through the raw peanuts and remove any empty shells, broken pieces or peanuts with blemishes. Rinse the remaining peanuts in cold water.

Step 2

Add raw peanuts to a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 cup salt. Cover with water leaving at least 1 inch headspace. Stir to combine then let sit at room temperature for 8 hours or overnight. (Green peanuts don't need to be soaked.) You can place a plate on top to weigh down the peanuts and keep them submerged in the salt water.

Step 3

Stovetop Instructions: Drain the peanuts and rinse. Add them to a 6-quart or larger boiling pot or dutch oven.

Step 4

Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of salt over the top of the peanuts and then pour water over the peanuts using enough to fully cover. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and allow the raw peanuts to boil for 3 hours checking to add more water intermittently, as needed. Check raw peanuts at 3 hours. (Green Peanuts: Check at 1 hour then continue to cook checking every 30 minutes for doneness. Green peanuts generally take 2-3 hours total.)

Step 6

To Test At 3 hours: Remove one peanut from the pot and let it cool just enough to handle and remove the shell. Taste and check the texture, if the peanut is still crunchy continue to boil for another 1-2 hours or until they're soft, but not mushy. Check every 30 minutes as the time could vary slightly depending on how vigorously the peanuts boil.

Step 7

Tips: When testing the peanuts for doneness you can adjust the amount of salt. After tasting, if the peanuts need more salt, add in 1/4 cup increments, adding more each time you test for doneness. If the peanut tastes more salty than desired, replace some of the water with unsalted fresh water and continue to boil.

Step 8

Once done allow the peanuts to cool in the water for 1 hour then drain well and serve.

Step 9

Crockpot Instructions: Sort through the raw peanuts and remove any empty shells, broken pieces or peanuts with blemishes. Rinse the remaining peanuts in cold water.

Step 10

Add peanuts to a 6 quart or similar size slow cooker. Cover with water and add 1 cup salt. (No soaking required.)

Step 11

Lock lid in place and cook on High for 18-24 hours. Once done allow the peanuts to cool in the water for 1 hour then drain well and serve.