Cody Casey
Boiled peanuts are a popular snack, especially in the South, and can be made easily in a crock pot. The process is simple: raw peanuts are rinsed and sorted, then placed in a slow cooker with salt and water, and cooked for several hours. The cooking time varies depending on the desired tenderness, with some recipes recommending 5-7 hours on high, while others suggest up to 18 hours. Boiled peanuts can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from classic salt to Cajun or Creole seasoning, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. They are a versatile snack, perfect for gatherings or as a movie night treat, and are a great addition to salads or stews.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Peanuts | Raw, green peanuts |
| Preparation | Rinse and sort peanuts, discarding debris and cracked or broken peanuts |
| Ingredients | Peanuts, salt, water, and spices (optional) |
| Cooking Time | 5-7 hours on high or 10 hours on low; or until desired tenderness is achieved |
| Cooking Temperature | High or low |
| Stirring | Stir occasionally and add more water as needed to keep peanuts covered |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days; can be eaten cold or warm |
| Soaking | Soaking raw peanuts overnight can speed up the cooking process |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Wash and soak peanuts
To prepare your peanuts for crock-pot boiling, start by rinsing and sorting them. Place them in a colander and wash them under cold running water to remove any dirt and debris. Remove any debris or pieces of shell that need to be discarded. If you are using raw peanuts, there are two types to choose from: green peanuts and regular raw peanuts. Green peanuts are freshly picked and are usually available between May and November. They are also highly perishable, so they must be refrigerated and used within a few days of harvest. If you cannot find green peanuts, you can use dried peanuts, but they will need to be soaked in water for a longer period of time, typically 8 hours or overnight.
Once you have rinsed and sorted your peanuts, you can begin the soaking process. If you are using raw peanuts, it is recommended to soak them in water for 8 hours or overnight to speed up the cooking process. This step can be skipped if you are using a slow cooker or crockpot, but soaking helps to soften the peanuts and reduce cooking time. If you are soaking your peanuts, combine 2 gallons of water and 1/2 cup of salt in a large stockpot, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add the raw peanuts to the pot and use a large dinner plate to help keep them submerged. Cover the pot and let them soak for the desired amount of time.
After the soaking process is complete, drain the water from the pot and discard it. Your peanuts are now ready to be boiled or cooked in your crockpot. If you are boiling them on the stovetop, add fresh water to the pot, ensuring there is at least 2 inches of water above the peanuts. Add your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir the peanuts occasionally to ensure they are fully submerged and continue cooking until they reach your desired tenderness.
Remember, it is important to use raw or green peanuts for boiling or crock-pot cooking. Roasted peanuts will not soften, regardless of how long they are soaked or boiled. Now that your peanuts are washed, soaked, and prepared, you can move on to the cooking stage, where you will transform them into delicious boiled peanuts!
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Cooking time: 5-7 hours on high, or 10 hours on low
To cook boiled peanuts in a crock pot, it is recommended to cook them on high for 5 to 7 hours or on low for 10 hours. The cooking time can vary depending on the crock pot, the type of peanuts used, and personal preference. Some people prefer their boiled peanuts to be firm, while others like them softer. It is important to note that the cooking time may also depend on whether the peanuts are soaked before cooking. Soaking the peanuts for 8 hours or overnight can help speed up the cooking process, but this step can be skipped, especially when using a slow cooker.
During the cooking process, it is essential to stir the peanuts occasionally and add more water as needed to ensure they are fully submerged. The water level should be maintained at a level that generously covers the peanuts. It is also recommended to use raw peanuts, either green or regular raw peanuts, for making boiled peanuts in a crock pot. Green peanuts are freshly picked and usually available between May and November, while regular raw peanuts can be found in the nuts section of stores like Walmart.
While cooking the boiled peanuts in the crock pot, it is normal for some of the peanuts to float to the top. This can be addressed by adding a heat-proof trivet or a similar item to the crock pot and weighing it down with a small heatproof dish. Additionally, it is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific crock pot model and its heat settings. Different crock pots may heat up differently, resulting in slight variations in cooking times.
After cooking, the 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 for about a minute. Some people prefer to eat them straight out of the crock pot without reheating them, as they are delicious either warm or cold. Boiled peanuts also go well with a cold beer, making them a perfect snack for any gathering or a great addition to a salad or stew.
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Spices: Cayenne, Cajun, garlic, or jalapenos
Boiled peanuts in a crock pot are a simple and filling snack. They can be made ahead of time and are great for serving at parties, tailgates, and game day celebrations. The cooking time for boiled peanuts in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired tenderness, but generally, they need to be cooked for at least 12 hours. Now, let's focus on the spices: Cayenne, Cajun, garlic, or jalapenos.
Cayenne Pepper
Add cayenne pepper to your boiled peanuts for an extra kick of spice. Cayenne pepper will give your boiled peanuts a nice, spicy kick and a beautiful red colour. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used according to your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and taste-test as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of spice.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a great way to add a spicy and savoury flavour to your boiled peanuts. It is a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Like cayenne pepper, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning used to suit your taste preferences. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve your desired level of spice and flavour.
Garlic
Garlic adds a savoury, pungent flavour to boiled peanuts. You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed, and sauté them in a small amount of oil or butter before adding the other ingredients to your crock pot. Alternatively, you can use garlic powder, which is a convenient and shelf-stable option. Add it directly to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos will give your boiled peanuts a spicy kick and a unique flavour. You can use fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced or chopped, and add them directly to the crock pot. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can remove the seeds and ribs of the jalapenos before adding them, as this is where most of the heat is concentrated. You can also adjust the amount of jalapenos used to control the spice level.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of these spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavour profile for boiled peanuts. Remember, you can always start with smaller amounts and gradually increase to ensure you don't overpower the natural flavour of the peanuts.
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Salt: Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup
Boiled peanuts are a popular snack, especially in the South, and can be made in a crock pot with just a few simple ingredients. The process is straightforward, but it can take a long time, so it's good to prepare in advance.
Firstly, you'll need to rinse and sort the peanuts, discarding any debris or cracked nuts. Then, place the peanuts in a crock pot and add salt and water. The amount of salt can vary according to taste, but for this recipe, we'll be using 1/3 to 1/2 cup of salt. You can also add spices such as red pepper flakes, creole seasoning, garlic cloves, chopped jalapenos, Tabasco sauce, or hot sauce for a spicier flavor. Cover the peanuts with water, ensuring they are generously covered.
Now, you'll need to cook the peanuts on a high setting for 5-7 hours, or until they are tender. It's important to stir the peanuts occasionally during cooking and to check that they remain covered with water, adding more if necessary. You'll know the peanuts are done when they are soft enough that the shells snap open lengthwise, and the peanuts are tender but not mushy.
Once cooked, drain the peanuts before serving or storing. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Some people prefer to eat boiled peanuts cold, especially during the summer, and they go great with a cold beer. You can also add them to a salad or stew to give your meal an extra kick of flavor.
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Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for 5-6 days
Boiled peanuts can be stored in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, to ensure maximum freshness, it is recommended to consume them within 5-6 days.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of boiled peanuts. After cooking, allow the boiled peanuts to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag. Make sure to include the brine or cooking liquid, as this helps keep the peanuts moist and flavourful.
Refrigeration is key to extending the shelf life of boiled peanuts. Place the airtight container or plastic bag of boiled peanuts in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for about 5-6 days.
For longer-term storage, boiled peanuts can be frozen. Place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to a year. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up in the microwave for a minute or until heated through.
It is important to note that the shelf life of boiled peanuts may vary depending on factors such as the quality of the peanuts, the effectiveness of the refrigeration, and the cleanliness of the storage container. Always inspect the peanuts before consuming them, and if they show any signs of spoilage, discard them.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook boiled peanuts in a crock pot for 5-7 hours on a high setting, or until the peanuts are tender.
The longest amount of time recommended to cook boiled peanuts in a crock pot is 18 hours on a high setting.
You can cook boiled peanuts on low for 10 hours.
You will know your boiled peanuts are done when they are tender and soft, but not mushy.
