Boiled Peanuts from “Southern from Scratch”

Serves: Makes 1 1/2 pounds

Hands On Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 24 hours and 15 minutes

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning

1/4 cup sea salt

1/4 cup smoked paprika

2 tablespoons granulated garlic

2 tablespoons ground sumac

2 tablespoons onion granules

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon ground cayenne

1 teaspoon chipotle powder

Peanuts

1 1/2 pounds raw green or dried raw peanuts

2/3 cup sea salt

10 cups water

Instructions

To make the Cajun seasoning: Combine the salt, paprika, garlic, sumac, onion, pepper, cayenne and chipotle powder in a small bowl and stir to fully blend. Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight in a lidded airtight container. Use within 6 months.

To make the peanuts: If using dried raw peanuts, place in a large bowl. Cover with cold water and leave to soak for 8 to 12 hours. Otherwise, rinse the peanuts in cold water, drain, and place in a slow cooker.

Add the salt, water, and 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine the spices with the water.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 20 to 24 hours, until the peanuts are fully softened.

Drain off the cooking liquid and serve immediately. They can also be stored in a lidded container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 to 3 days.

About the recipe

Give the classic Southern snack a zesty upgrade with homemade Cajun seasoning.

Raw peanuts can be difficult to source. Unless you grow your own, have a nearby farmer that does, or are inclined to order them by mail, you’ll most likely be working with dried raw peanuts. Either fresh or dried will produce equally tasty boiled nuts; dried peanuts simply require some soaking time, as indicated in this recipe.

From “Southern from Scratch: Pantry Essentials and Down-Home Recipes” by Ashley English, © 2018 by Ashley English. Photographs by Johnny Autry, © 2018 by Johnny Autry. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc. Boulder, CO.