Southern Boiled Peanuts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do Southerners boil peanuts? ›

But most agree that the practice of boiling peanuts originated in Africa and was introduced to American Southern culture by slaves, as the South is where the peanut crop flourished. Boiling was a clever and delicious way to enjoy the fresh-harvested or “green” peanuts that were not yet dry enough to roast.

Use a large dinner plate to help submerge the floating peanuts. Soak peanuts 8 hours or overnight. (This step saves a little time boiling, but if you don't have the luxury of soaking time, you can skip it.)

Just make sure you add enough to flavor the cooking liquid. If you can't taste it in the liquid, then you won't taste it in the peanuts. 4. Add vinegar for depth of flavor – Much like adding spices and seasonings, adding vinegar to your boiled peanuts provides another layer of flavor.

Cover and reduce the heat just enough to maintain a low boil. Boil for 2 to 3 hours or longer (some boil their peanuts all day), until peanuts reach desired level of softness. Drain and eat up.

A Legume With Many Names: The Story Of 'Goober' : Code Switch Today, everyone calls it a peanut. Southerners might also say 'goober. ' But before the Civil War, there were a dozen names for that humble legume, and it wasn't at all clear which one would win out.

"Goober Peas” The lyrics of this Civil War Southern folk song describe daily life during the Civil War who enjoyed eating boiled peanuts (goober peas). But, “goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas,” as the chorus goes.

Once the peanuts have boiled for three hours (one hour for green peanuts), sample them to check their texture and salinity. Remove a peanut, and when it is cool enough to handle, crack open its shell and taste the kernel, slurping some brine with it. If the peanut crunches, it should be cooked further.

Because green peanuts are fresh and haven't had any moisture content removed, they don't need to be boiled as long. Raw peanuts have been air-dried and have a lower moisture content and so they need to be boiled longer.

Raw peanuts and green peanuts are generally used for boiled peanuts.

The most common variation involves pouring salted peanuts into a bottle of Coca-Cola before drinking them. Traditionally, glass bottles of Coca-Cola are used. The snack's appeal is often attributed to the combination of sweet and salty tastes, as well as the crunchiness of the peanuts.

Why are my boiled peanuts bland? ›

It's worth noting that you should not be alarmed at the apparent blandness of the peanuts as you taste test them. In my experience, the salt only seems to work its way into the nuts during the last 10% of the cook time or so.

Nutritious and packed with antioxidants, boiled peanuts are an excellent source of energy. “A half cup of boiled peanuts contains approximately 286 calories with no cholesterol. Vitamins E and B, which are crucial for the growth and development of muscles and organs, are also present in boiled peanuts.

It is very hard to overcook boiled peanuts. When in doubt, give them a little longer.

Becoming A Southern Staple

The practice of boiling peanuts soon spread from South Carolina across Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. By the 1920s, boiled peanuts were widespread across the peanut-growing swath of the South, where farmers had easy access to the green nuts to throw in the pot.

Boiled peanuts are not only a tasty treat but also a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with protein, fibre, and essential minerals make them a satisfying and healthful snack. The boiling process enhances their antioxidant content, promoting heart health and overall well-being.

The history of boiled peanuts in Georgia dates back to the early 1800s. It was a popular snack among farmers and laborers who worked in the fields. They would boil the peanuts in a pot, adding salt and other spices to enhance the flavor.

History. The combination is believed to have developed in the South during the 1920s, as a snack for blue-collar workers that did not require them to wash their hands. It quickly became popular as a summer snack, especially in rural areas. The snack became an internet trend in 2018.

Boiled peanuts are a beloved snack in the Palmetto State, so much so that they were named the official snack of South Carolina. You don't have to look far to get your hands on a bag of this salty treat.