Boiled peanuts are a summertime tradition in the South. Sold at farmer's markets and roadside stands, these soft, salty legumes are totally addictive. If you can get fresh, green peanuts, try your hand at boiling some on your own. The best way to boil peanuts depends on the amount of time and the type of equipment you have as well as other factors.
Traditional Method
The traditional method of boiling peanuts is to fill a large stockpot with water, 1 to 5 lbs. of fresh green peanuts and ¼ to 1 cup of salt. The peanuts are then boiled for hours, until they are soft. If the peanuts aren't salty enough, you can add more salt to taste near the end of the cooking time. It typically takes three hours to boil fresh peanuts, but if your peanuts have dried at all, it can take many hours longer. This method is the simplest way to cook boiled peanuts, and it may be the best way for you if you have a large-enough pot and the time to keep an eye on the pot. At first, the peanuts will float on the top and may even be pushed out of the pot by the boiling water. The traditional method of boiling peanuts makes it easy to taste-test the peanuts frequently to see if they are done. The disadvantage of the traditional method is that it really heats up the kitchen and the rest of the house, something that most people would rather avoid in the hot summer months that fresh peanuts are available.
Slow Cooker Method
The method has many advantages and it may be the best way for you to cook boiled peanuts if you have a large one. Place about 6 cups of fresh green peanuts in the slow cooker with 10 cups of water and ½ cup of salt and cook the peanuts on high for about five to seven hours. You will need to check the slow cooker frequently and add water as needed; the boiling peanuts soak up a lot of water. If you don't want to be tied up for the better part of a day watching over the water level, then this may not be the best method for you. The slow cooker method will not heat up your kitchen as much as the traditional method, and it can be left to cook on its own for short periods of time.
Pressure Cooker Method
Few modern kitchens are equipped with a pressure cooker, but if you are lucky enough to own one, then the pressure cooker method may be the best way to boil peanuts for you. It only takes 20 minutes on full pressure to cook 2 lbs. of peanuts with this method, using 2/3 cup of salt and water to cover. You will need to let the peanuts cool in the salted water so they can fully absorb the salt.
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