Boiled Peanuts
I made boiled peanuts for evening snacks today and I told my son that I was going to feature this in today’s blog. My son was curious as to what can be said about making this simple dish. Well, I agree, this dish is simple, but there are few tips that can help to make the best tasting boiled peanuts ever!!!
To score perfect with this dish, you need newly harvested fresh unshelled raw peanuts where the peanuts are still green inside the pods. The peanuts should not be sitting on the shelf for more than 2/3 days.
Sample a raw peanut. In my personal experience, if the raw peanuts are tender (harvested a little early before they are fully mature) they end up more tender and sweet after you boil them. But unless you are a peanut farmer or one who grows peanuts in your backyard, you do not have control if the peanuts could be harvested a bit early, so do your best in picking the right ones.
Due to health reasons, I generally add less salt when boiling peanuts. The peanuts collect some salt water inside the pods during the boiling process. While eating them, I gently break the pods and suck the juice that is dripping out from the shell, and cannot resist and lick my fingers as well! That salt water dripping out of those peanut pods, yum!!!
The peanuts (or any nuts) will make you feel full for at least couple of hours after eating them, so this is a very healthy snack that can help with your weight loss plans. But please note that peanuts are highly acidic and come under “pitha” food category and should be enjoyed in moderation. My parents always encouraged me and my brother to eat a piece of jaggery after indulging in peanuts. Jaggery helps to alkalize the stomach juices and keeps the tummy calm and happy.
Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts are simple to make, healthy and finger licking good and will be a big hit every time you make them, guaranteed!!!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Unshelled raw peanuts newly harvested
- Salt to taste
Instructions
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Wash the peanuts and put them in a pot and pour enough water until they are covered. Add salt, stir well and adjust salt level if needed.
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Cover and cook for about 20 to 30 mins in medium heat stirring/ sampling a peanut every 10 mins or so. I like my boiled peanuts consistency to be medium soft (not too soft). Once the peanuts are cooked to your desired consistency, switch off the flame and let it rest for at least 10 mins for the salt/ flavors to soak in. Enjoy when the peanuts are still hot.
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Eat a piece of jaggery afterwards to offset the highly acidic nature of peanuts.
Recipe Notes
- You can also pressure cook the peanuts for one whistle. Wait for about 10 mins (the pressure should release naturally, if not, release it by placing the cooker under running cold water).
Hello, my name is Senthil. I am a passionate food blogger from Houston, Texas. This is my online kitchen, and I will be cooking delicious recipes for you, provide kitchen tips that I have learned over the years, and share personal stories and fond memories around food. Keep checking out for new stuff!
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