How to Cook Boiled Peanuts in a Pressure Cooker

If you've ever traveled in the southern United States you have probably seen vendors selling boiled peanuts. If you don't get to the south often, or if you've never tried these southern delicacies it is easy to make them yourself.
There are different methods of boiling peanuts, but a popular and quick way is to use a pressure cooker. These directions call for raw green peanuts, but you can also use dried peanuts in the shell by soaking them overnight in a salty brine before boiling them.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure cooker Water Salt Raw green peanuts in the shell

Instructions

Boiling Peanuts in the Pressure Cooker

1. Wash between 2 and 3 pounds of peanuts in the shell in cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important when dealing with fresh peanuts, because they are very dirty from growing in the ground.

2. Soak peanuts in cool clean water for 45 minutes before cooking. Many people skip this step, but I have found that it helps the peanuts absorb the salt by making them moist and soft before boiling.

3. Place peanuts, 2/3 cup of salt and enough water to cover the peanuts in the pressure cooker. The amount of salt can be adjusted to taste. Try another popular seasoning for boiled peanuts by adding in a few tablespoons of cayenne pepper.

4. Cook for 45 minutes at about 10 pounds of pressure.

5. Allow the peanuts to cool in the water. If you remove them from the water to cool they shrivel up and don't absorb the salt.

Tips & Warnings

• Boiled peanuts can be frozen to enjoy when they aren't in season. If you don't freeze them, they are good for two or three days before they start to turn slimy.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• History of Boiled Peanuts