How to Make Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a southern treat as old as the south itself. During peanut season, little roadside goober shacks are a common sight in places like Georgia and Alabama. If you find yourself away from home and craving a fresh bag of boiled peanuts, or if you're a curious Yankee, you should try making your own batch.

Things You'll Need

• 5 lbs. "green" peanuts in the shell (green refers to the peanuts being freshly harvested)
• Approximately 6 qts. water (enough to completely submerge peanuts)
• 1 cup salt per gallon of water

Instructions

1. Get a hold of some freshly dug peanuts for the best and most authentic taste. Newly harvested peanuts also take less time to cook.

2. Place the peanuts under cold, running water, swirling them around to ensure that all of the peanuts are washed. Keep them under the running water until the water turns clear.

3. Place the peanuts into a tub of cold water. Let them soak for 30-45 minutes.

4. Place peanuts in cooking vessel and immerse completely in water. Add 1 cup of salt per gallon of water used.

5. Cover peanuts and cook on high heat (or an open fire) for about 4 hours. After 4 hours, begin tasting every 20 minutes for desired level of texture and saltiness. A good boiled peanut will be soft, but with a slight firmness.

6. Drain peanuts completely after cooking is completed. Enjoy hot or refrigerate.

Tips & Warnings

• Uneaten portions of the boiled peanuts can be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags for an indefinite amount of time. If not frozen, the peanuts will go bad in a few days.

• First-timers beware: boiled peanuts are known to be an acquired taste.