Emilie Meyer
Boiled peanuts are a popular snack, especially in the South. They are easy to make in a crock pot, with just a few simple ingredients and a long cooking time. The process involves rinsing and sorting raw peanuts, adding salt and water, and cooking on high for around 5-7 hours, or longer if a softer texture is desired. This guide will explore the steps to make delicious crock-pot boiled peanuts, including variations in cooking time and additional ingredients for a spicy kick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Peanuts | Raw or green (freshly-dug) |
| Type of Crock Pot | 6-quart crock pot |
| Ingredients | Peanuts, salt, water, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, cajun seasoning, beef bouillon cubes, hot sauce, etc. |
| Soaking Time | 8 hours or overnight |
| Cooking Time | 5-7 hours on high, or 18 hours on high, or 22-24 hours on low |
| Temperature | High or low |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-6 days or up to 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Use raw, not roasted, peanuts
Boiled peanuts are typically made with raw, not roasted, peanuts. Raw peanuts can be green (freshly dug) or air-dried. Green peanuts are fresh, raw peanuts that have not been dried and have a shorter shelf life. They are usually available between May and November and can be found at local farmer's markets or supermarkets. If you cannot find green peanuts, you can use regular raw peanuts, but they will take longer to cook as they have a lower moisture content.
Before cooking, rinse the raw peanuts under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. You can also soak the peanuts for 8 hours or overnight to speed up the cooking process, although this step can be skipped if using a slow cooker.
To cook the raw peanuts in a crock pot, place the desired amount of peanuts in the slow cooker and cover them with water. Add salt and any desired seasonings, such as cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, or Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on high for 5-7 hours, or until the desired tenderness is reached. Check the peanuts during cooking and add additional water and stir as needed.
You will know the peanuts are done when they are soft enough that the shells snap open lengthwise, and the peanuts are tender but not mushy. Boiled peanuts can be eaten warm or cold and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Soak overnight to speed up cooking
Soaking raw peanuts for eight hours or overnight will help speed up the cooking process. This step can be skipped, especially when using a slow cooker. However, if you want to reduce the cooking time, it is recommended to soak the peanuts in a large pot with a plate holding them underwater. This is because raw peanuts tend to float.
After soaking, rinse the raw peanuts very well and place them in the crockpot. It is important to use raw or green peanuts for this recipe, not roasted peanuts. Green peanuts are freshly picked and usually available between May and November. They can be found at local farmer's markets or supermarkets and grocery stores when in season. If you cannot find green peanuts, you can use regular raw peanuts, but they will take longer to get soft.
Once the peanuts are in the crockpot, cover them with cold water and add salt. You can also add various spices such as red pepper flakes, Creole seasoning, garlic, Old Bay, or hot sauce to taste. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5 to 7 hours or low for 10 hours. If you prefer softer peanuts, cook them for a longer time, and if you like them with a little crunch, cook them for a shorter time.
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Add salt, water, and spices
To cook raw peanuts in a crock pot, you will need raw peanuts, salt, water, and spices. The first step is to rinse and sort the peanuts, discarding any debris or peanuts that are cracked or broken. You can soak the peanuts overnight to speed up the cooking process, but this step can be skipped.
Next, place the peanuts in the crock pot and add salt and water. You will want to add enough water to generously cover the peanuts. At this stage, you can also add spices such as red pepper flakes, creole seasoning, garlic cloves, chopped jalapenos, hot sauce, or Old Bay seasoning.
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 5 to 7 hours, or on low for 18 to 24 hours, depending on your preference for texture. Stir the peanuts occasionally during cooking and add more water as needed to keep the peanuts covered.
You will know the peanuts are done when they are soft enough that the shells snap open lengthwise, and the peanuts are tender, but not mushy. Cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot, the type of peanuts used, and your personal preference for texture. If you prefer softer peanuts, cook them for longer, and if you like them with a little more crunch, cook them for a shorter time.
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Cook on high for 5-7 hours
Cooking raw peanuts in a crock pot is a simple and tasty way to prepare this southern snack. It's important to note that raw, not roasted, peanuts should be used for this recipe. Green peanuts are freshly picked and usually available between May and November. If you can't get your hands on green peanuts, regular raw peanuts can be used, but they will need to be cooked for longer.
To prepare the peanuts, start by rinsing them with cold water and sorting through them to remove any debris or cracked shells. Place the sorted peanuts in a crock pot and add salt and enough water to generously cover the nuts. Give it a good stir to ensure the salt is well combined.
Now, you can cook the peanuts on high for 5-7 hours. It's important to stir the peanuts occasionally during the cooking process and check the water level, adding more water if needed to keep the peanuts covered. The peanuts are done when they are tender but not mushy.
If you prefer softer peanuts, cook them for a little longer. If you like them with a bit more crunch, cook them for a shorter period of time. It's really up to your personal preference. You can also add various seasonings to the water, such as creole, cajun, garlic, liquid smoke, Old Bay, or any other seasoning of your choice.
Once the peanuts are cooked to your desired texture, use a slotted spoon to scoop them out into bowls or cups. You can serve them warm or cold, and they make a great snack or addition to a salad or stew. Enjoy!
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Refrigerate leftovers
Boiled peanuts are a popular snack, especially in the South. They are easy to make in a crock pot and can be spiced up with ingredients like cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, or Cajun seasoning.
When it comes to storing leftovers, it is important to refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. Boiled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if placed in zip-top plastic bags or airtight containers. They can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator or reheated in the microwave or crock pot.
It is recommended to store the peanuts in their brine to retain moisture and prevent moulding. If you plan to store the boiled peanuts for a more extended period, freezing is an option.
While boiled peanuts are a tasty treat, it is essential to ensure they do not remain at room temperature for too long, as they can become slimy if left out for extended periods. Therefore, refrigerating leftovers is a crucial step in preserving the delicious snack.
Additionally, if you have spiced boiled peanuts, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about 5 to 6 days.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook raw peanuts in a crock pot.
You will need raw peanuts, salt, and water. Some recipes also call for additional spices such as cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, or cajun seasoning.
Cooking times vary depending on the crock pot, the type of peanut used, and personal preference. Some recipes suggest cooking raw peanuts on high for 5-7 hours, while others recommend cooking on low for 22-24 hours. If you prefer softer peanuts, cook them for longer; if you like them with a crunch, cook them for a shorter period.
Soaking raw peanuts for 8 hours or overnight can help speed up the cooking process. However, this step can be skipped, especially when using a slow cooker.
Leftover boiled peanuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave or crock pot.
