The World's Best Boiled Peanuts

Learn how to Boil Peanuts

Oct 27, 2009 Armand Famiglietti

Next time a barbecue is being held, try this boiled peanuts recipe. There are only two ingredients, but the care it takes to make them will impress the guests.

Boiled peanuts as we know them today were actually once called “goober peas” around the turn of the 19th century. A popular practice in the South, boiling peanuts was a tradition every year in late August. After the peanut crop had come in, the unsold surplus would be boiled and enjoyed by the friends and family of the farmer.

A common misconception is that any peanut can be boiled. However, the best peanuts for boiling are actually “raw” peanuts. The term raw refers to peanuts that are not fully mature or still “green.” This means that they have not reached their full growing size.

After a peanut has been boiled it has a salty flavor, and the peanut itself becomes softer than when it was in its green state. Two of the more popular varieties to boil are the Valencia or Green Virginia peanuts. Here are some instructions on how to boil peanuts for the next dinner party, family gathering or barbecue.

Things You’ll Need

  • 1 ½ cups of salt
  • 2 lbs. of peanuts (raw or green)
  • Water
  • 3 gallon stock pot

Boiling Peanuts

  1. Fill the stock pot with 2 gallons of water.
  2. Dissolve ½ cup of salt into the water
  3. Add peanuts to the stock pot. If the peanuts are not properly staying down in the mixture, add something heavy such as a plate or trivet inside the stock pot to keep them weight down and in place.
  4. Allow the peanuts to soak overnight for a period of 8 hours.
  5. Drain the water that was in the stock pot over night.
  6. Refill the stock pot with two gallons of fresh water.
  7. Add the remainder of salt to the stock pot (1 cup).
  8. Set the stock pot on the stove over a high flame and bring the peanuts to a boil.
  9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low setting so that the peanuts are simmering.
  10. Allow the peanuts to simmer for 4 to 6 hours. (Be sure to check on the peanuts every half hour or so to see if they need any additional water. If so, add water to the pot and return it to a boil before simmering again.)
  11. Test the peanuts halfway through the cooking process. Remove a few peanuts, crack them open and taste them for saltiness. If deemed not salty enough, add another ½ cup of salt to the water.
  12. Turn off the burner and remove the peanuts from the heat. Allow the boiled peanuts to rest for one hour.
  13. Drain and serve the peanuts to family and friends.

To Soak or Not to Soak

If time is a factor, one may skip the soaking process. However the soaking reduces the cooking time because of the water that is infused into the shell and peanut. Add 1 to 2 hours cooking time if the soaking step is not followed.

Storing Boiled Peanuts

One batch of boiled peanuts yields quite a lot. If there are left over peanuts be sure to store them in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer. Boiled peanuts will last about a week in the fridge and a few months in the freezer.

The copyright of the article The World's Best Boiled Peanuts in Recipes is owned by Armand Famiglietti. Permission to republish The World's Best Boiled Peanuts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
A Bunch of Boiled Peanuts Ready for a Barbecue!, cohdra A Bunch of Boiled Peanuts Ready for a Barbecue!