Perfectly Boiled Peanuts
How to Boil Peanuts to Perfection – You Won’t Stop Reaching for More!
My husband’s absolute favorite snack is always boiled peanuts. Peanuts are delicious no matter how you prepare them – boiled, roasted, or stewed. However, I find that when boiled, their naturally savory flavor becomes exceptionally soft and utterly delightful. Boiling them in their shells releases a wonderful nutty aroma that fills the air, making it hard to resist reaching for another. Here’s how to make these delightful boiled peanuts, a true autumn delicacy!
Ingredients
- 500g fresh raw peanuts
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- A splash of vinegar (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, since fresh raw peanuts can have quite a bit of soil on their shells, it’s crucial to wash them thoroughly. Fill a bowl with water, add the peanuts, and shake them vigorously multiple times. This helps remove any earthy taste, allowing you to enjoy the pure flavor of the peanuts.
Step 2
After washing them clean, gently shake off any excess water or place them in a colander to drain. Too much residual water might affect the cooking time.
Step 3
Now, pour enough water into a pot to generously cover the peanuts, and add the cleaned peanuts. Make sure the peanuts are fully submerged, then add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. The salt not only seasons the peanuts but also aids in osmosis, helping them to become tender and creamy as they cook.
Step 4
You can optionally add a splash of vinegar. Adding vinegar helps to neutralize any slightly bitter or astringent notes often found in peanuts, resulting in a cleaner, smoother taste.
Step 5
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot with a lid and let the peanuts simmer for about 20 minutes. Cooking them over medium heat rather than high allows them to cook evenly through and become wonderfully tender.
Step 6
After simmering for 20 minutes, turn off the heat, and let the peanuts steam in the covered pot for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the peanuts to finish cooking and become even more moist and tender.
Step 7
Transfer the perfectly boiled peanuts to a serving dish and let them cool slightly. Enjoying them warm is the best way to experience their rich, nutty flavor. Each bite offers an initial wave of deliciousness, followed by a deeper, more complex nuttiness as you chew. They’re a fantastic autumn treat and pair wonderfully with a cold drink!