How to Cook Dried Raw Peanuts in the Slow Cooker

Boiled peanuts is a tradition in the South.

Peanuts are one of the most pervasive nuts in cooking and baking. Popular throughout many cuisines, peanuts provide healthy oils and high protein. A popular dish in the United States' Southern region is boiled peanuts. However, doing this on the stove can be tedious and time consuming, as the nuts have to be continuously watched. A slow cooker allows for the peanuts to be boiled unattended. The delicious treat can be whipped up with several minutes of preparation and a few hours of cooking.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. dried raw green peanuts, with shells
• Large bowl
• 1/2 cup salt
• 5-qt. slow cooker
• Strainer

Instructions

1. Place the peanuts in a bowl and pick out any shriveled, discolored or shrunk peanuts.

2. Fill the slow cooker halfway with water and turn it to high.

3. Add the salt and stir vigorously.

4. Pour the peanuts, with shells on, into the slow cooker and place the lid on.

5. Cook for seven hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Cinnamon sticks or star anise can be added for extra flavor in the peanuts.

• The longer the peanuts are cooked, the softer they are. If you prefer the peanuts on the firmer side, cook them for only three to five hours.

• Eat the nuts within three days before they go bad.

References

• Whats Cooking America: Boiled Peanuts
• Washington State University: Peanuts
• Clemonson University: Peanut
• Wind Legends: Boiled Peanuts
• The Food Network: Boiled Peanuts

Resources

• University of Florida: Producing Peanuts for the Fresh (Green/Boiling) Market