This recipe for Cajun boiled peanuts offers the perfect balance of spice, allowing you to customize it according to your taste. It’s a fantastic choice for a spicy southern snack or appetizer.
I absolutely adore boiled peanuts! Let me start by saying that straight away.
This recipe for Cajun boiled peanuts offers the perfect level of spiciness and allows you to adjust it to your liking. It’s a delightful, zesty snack or appetizer that is popular in the southern region.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting boiled peanuts yet, I strongly recommend that you take a moment to read and save this recipe. Waste no time and prepare them immediately. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for this suggestion.
During my upbringing, I never had the opportunity to try boiled peanuts, which is truly unfortunate. It seemed like such a peculiar concept to me. The only glimpses I caught of them were at local carnivals, where they were served from gleaming trailers.
It wasn’t until I visited Charleston, South Carolina that I finally had the chance to sample homemade boiled peanuts. In the southern states, you’ll come across them at gas stations, roadside stands, and farmer’s markets.
This is so much fun! I’ve noticed that boiled peanuts are quite popular in North Carolina as well, whenever I visit there. Recently, while spending time with our friends in Charleston, SC, we discovered that boiled peanuts were available in almost every restaurant we went to.
Curiosity piqued, we decided to order a batch for ourselves. And boy, were we in for a surprise! The moment I took my first bite, my eyes widened with delight. Those boiled peanuts were absolutely amazing. In fact, I enjoyed them so much that I ended up devouring an entire batch all by myself!
I’m happy to share my recipe.
But first, some discussion points of interest.
Boiled Peanuts Vs. Roasted Peanuts
I never knew that peanuts actually grow beneath the soil. Peanut pods develop underground, while the plant and leaves grow above ground.
When you harvest them, they come out of the dirt in their raw and green state. Before consumption, they require cleaning and cooking.
Roasted peanuts become crispy and firm once they are roasted, while boiled peanuts have a softer, more squishy texture, similar to beans. To enjoy boiled peanuts, you need to peel them and remove them from their shells.
And here’s the interesting part! If you’re accustomed to eating roasted peanuts, you might be pleasantly surprised by the contrasting texture of boiled peanuts. However, their taste is exceptional. When boiled, peanuts absorb a greater amount of flavor compared to when they are roasted.
Now, let’s dive into the process of making boiled peanuts.
Ingredients Needed
- Green raw peanuts (in the shell) – 2 pounds
- Concentrated shrimp and crab boil – 4 ounces
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning Blend – ½ cup
- Salt – 2 tbsp
- 4 habanero peppers, sliced in half (optional – use can omit or use other peppers to your own heat level preference)
- Hot sauce of choice (a few tablespoons will do, but add as much as you’d like! – Tabasco or Crystal are PERFECT for this recipe)
- Water to cover the peanuts
How To Make Cajun Boiled Peanuts
To start, put the peanuts into a big pot and make sure they are completely covered with water. The amount of water needed will vary based on the pot size, but typically a couple of gallons should do the trick.
Next, mix in the shrimp and crab boil along with Cajun or Creole seasonings and salt. If you’re a fan of garlic, you can also sprinkle in some garlic powder.
If you want to add a spicy kick, include habanero peppers. They will bring a delightful level of heat to the entire batch.
Lastly, add a dash of hot sauce and give everything a good stir.
Start by bringing the pot to a boil, then lower the heat. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 5 hours. Remember to check it from time to time and gently push the peanuts under the seasoned water.
Sounds good! Feel free to enjoy the peanuts now, or for an enhanced flavor experience, cover the pot and place it in the refrigerator.
Let it refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully. By steeping in the liquid, the peanuts will absorb even more of the delicious seasonings.
When you’re prepared to consume them, simply warm them up on the stove and savor the taste.
FAQs
Eating raw peanuts is possible, but you should be aware of certain considerations. Although raw peanuts themselves are not toxic, improper drying and storage methods can result in the presence of a carcinogen called aflatoxin. Molds produce aflatoxin, which can contaminate peanuts when they do not undergo adequate processing.
Cajun boiled peanuts offer numerous benefits, including being a nutrient-rich snack with protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They contain antioxidants like resveratrol, which may protect against chronic diseases. Additionally, boiled peanuts are high in fiber, contribute to satiety and weight management, and have potential blood pressure regulation properties.
It is advised to consume approximately 42 grams or about 16 peanuts as the recommended daily limit. It’s crucial to moderate peanut intake due to its high-fat content and calorie density. While peanuts are nutritious, excessive consumption should be avoided.