Cajun Style Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Boiled peanuts next to uncooked peanuts

Cajun-style boiled peanuts are a spicy traditional Southern treat. This recipe uses fresh peanuts, often called "green peanuts" although they are not green in color. Fresh peanuts are a little softer than dried peanuts, but you may substitute dried peanuts as long as they are soaked first. The dry crab boil and mix of spices give these nuts a distinctively hot, salty flavor.

Things You'll Need

• 2 to 3 pounds of fresh green peanuts in the shell (dried may be substituted; see Tips at bottom) 3 oz dry crab boil seasoning or 5 to 7 drops of liquid crab boil seasoning 1/2 cup salt 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning 4 1/2 quarts cold water

Instructions

1. Add peanuts, salt, crab boil and Cajun seasoning to a large stock pot along with the cold water.

2. Bring water to a boil over high heat.

3. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will gently cook the peanuts without boiling over or scorching them. Add water as needed.

4. Boil peanuts for at least 6 hours. Use a slotted spoon to remove a few from the pot and check for tenderness. Peanuts should feel soft between your fingertips and slip easily out of the shell when done. If the peanuts are still too hard, continue cooking and check them every 1 to 2 hours. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to cover the peanuts.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain peanuts and serve. Cajun style boiled peanuts taste best when served fresh and warm right out of the pot, but they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Tips & Warnings

• Dried peanuts may be substituted for fresh peanuts. If you are using dried peanuts, soak them for 8 hours in a pot of cold water to rehydrate them. After soaking, rinse the nuts and proceed with Step 1.