Boiled Peanuts

(Jane Bruce)

For anyone not from the South or not familiar with boiled peanuts, it can sound like an oxymoron: "Why would you boil a peanut?" is a frequent question from the uninitiated.

Cook Time:

Prep Time:

Total Time:6 hours

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1 cup salt

1/4 cup seasoned salt, preferably Lawry's

1/4 cup ground chile

4 quart water

1 1/2 pound peanuts, raw and in the shell

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in a pot. If there is not enough water to cover the peanuts, add more water.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.

Stir occasionally, once an hour at most, letting the peanuts boil for 3-6 hours until the peanuts are of a soft consistency. The timing depends on the age and size of the peanuts, so starting at 3 hours, check the peanuts to assess whether they are done.

If you would like the peanuts to be saltier and spicier once they are fully cooked, turn the heat off and let them sit in the water for a few more hours.

Boiled peanuts can be made overnight, but it is safest to use a Crock-Pot in this scenario.