Southern Style Boiled Peanuts: Vegetarian

What is more southern than some boiled peanuts, let me answer for you, not much.  These salty, hot and tender morsels, will make you want more after each and every bite.

Us folks here in the south have been raised on boiled peanuts.  This is one reason why we do go see what we might be able to recycle at flea markets, I mean us Alabama folks are green minded folks.   The 'What is old to another is new to us' mentality puts us in that category and also, use what you have to get the job done, helps also. Then if all else fails, get out the duct tape.

All flea markets around here have at least one person selling boiled peanuts, you are also able to see folks on the side of the road with a huge vat of hot boiled peanuts and a few vegetables to sell.  Also, just because I now know how to make them myself, I still grab a bag every time we go to the flea market or I see a person selling them on the side of the road.

Our go to place for some boiled peanuts on the weekend is at the Ladonia Alabama Flea Market on highway 80.  We always take the time to go see our friend Gary McNatt or better known as Pops.

The market is open 7 days a week but only sells food Friday - Sunday.

If you are not lucky enough to come and grab a bag at the flea market, then I will just have to bring the experience to you.  You will find very few recipes that are as easy as this one.  It is a great snack for your family but also, a great dish to add to any party.

Ingredients

2 pounds un-shelled raw peanuts

2 gallons water

2 cups kosher salt

Too Easy

Place some warm water and salt in a large plastic container, mix well so the salt will dissolve, to make your brine.


Add your peanuts to your brine.  After most of your salt is dissolved.

You will notice that the peanuts will float to the top of your container.

To combat this problem, get a lid that will fit down inside the container, place on top of your peanuts.

Place two big cans in a plastic bag and place on top of your lid.

If you do not take this extra step, you will be cooking peanuts for days, just to make them tender.

Allow them to set for at least 16 hours.

After your peanuts have soaked, drain the peanuts and place in a large stock pot.  Add 1 1/2 gallons of water and 1/4 cup of kosher salt to your pot.  Bring to a boil.

When your peanuts come to a boil, cover, place on simmer and cook for roughly 4 1/2 hours, or until your peanuts are soft.

DIG IN!

After about 3 hours, take a peanut out of your pot and test it for texture.  You want them to be soft but, not real mushy.

After at least 3 hours, every half hour after that, grab a peanut out of your pot, pop it in your mouth and see if it is done to your liking.

Some folks like their peanuts a bit more cooked than others, so you be the judge.

My last pot had taken me 5 hours to cook and yet, the time before it only had taken me 4 hours.

If your water is getting too low than add some more water to your pot, you do not want your peanuts drying out, they should be soft, wet and salty.

I place mine in ziploc baggies and toss them in the refrigerator.  Make sure you add some of that broth you cooked the peanuts in to each bag, so the peanuts will not dry out.

For another southern style recipe please visit...

Potato Salad: Done Mama's Way!

To get to know us Alabama folks a bit better, visit my page...

Our (My) Business, Our (my) Employees & the Alabama Scanner

This dish would be a great treat on Super Bowl Sunday...

Super Bowl XLVII:  Football, Food, Fun And Yes, Pranks!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different, it is acceptable and appreciated) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)