Cajun Habanero Boiled Peanuts
Believe me when I say this… boiled peanuts are the absolute best at home movie protein snack idea (or for your next road trip). Of course, since I have been eating habaneros since I was a toddler, I made them a little bit spicier than your typical boiled peanuts. However, if you master the technique of cooking them, you can adjust the spices to your heat tolerance.
Boiled peanuts are considered “the caviar of the south” and is actually the official state snack of South Carolina. Now, I’ve never been to South Carolina but I was lucky enough to have been introduced to boiled peanuts by my husband. His nostalgic snack, growing up buying them from tents on the side of the road, has become a specialty snack in our house.
The Ingredients
Truthfully, as long as you have raw peanuts (we ordered on amazon), water, and a bunch of seasonings you like you really can't go wrong. If you have ever done a seafood boil, you can do similar seasonings (think Old Bay etc.) and then slurp the peanuts like you're eating shellfish. Come to think of it, this could be a good vegetarian version of a seafood boil.
The Method
I wouldn't say this is the most simple recipe ever but it is easy. Also, I will have to try in the crockpot soon because I image it would make it even easier. All you do is add all the ingredients to the pot bring to a boil and then let simmer over the stove until the peanuts are softened and had enough time to absorb the flavor (approx. 8 hours). The main trick when using a dutch over is keeping the water levels high enough (first to keep it from burning and second to have enough brine at the end to eat with the peanuts). I checked the water every 2 hours and added water as needed.
Eating and Storing
You eat boiled peanuts similar to normal peanuts where you peel the shell. You can just take the peanuts out of the brine and eat but to enjoy it the best way, I recommend scooping the bring and some peanuts into the bowl. My favorite way to eat is peeling the peanut keeping keep in the inside of the peanut on the shell and scooping up some of the brine and slurping it all together. I know it sounds a little gross but it's truly delicious and in my opinion the only way it should be eaten! These can also be make and stored in the fridge to reheat whenever you are ready for your next snack.
Get creative and share in the comments if you come up with your own adaption to the recipe.
Meet Margot Searls
Hi, I'm Margot Searls and my hope is to turn around recipes from my table to yours. I truly believe the food you are putting on your table can turn around your lifestyle for the better (hence turned around table).
Cajun Habanero Boiled Peanuts
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs. Raw Peanuts We used Hampton Farms brand on Amazon
- 4 - 6 Quartz Water
- 1/3 cup Salt
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire
- 1/4 cup Liquid Smoke
- 1/4 cup Tabasco or to preference
- 1/8 cup Old Bay Seasoning
- 3 Tbsp. Crushed Red Pepper or to preference
- 2 Tsp. Habanero Powder or to preference
- 1 Tsp. Cayenne Powder or to preference
- 1 Tsp. Garlic Salt
- 1 Tsp. Dried Minced Garlic
Instructions
- Start by adding the raw peanuts to a large Dutch Oven (preferred) or pot with a tight lid
- Throw in salt, Worcestershire, Tabasco, Old Bay, crushed red pepper, habanero powder, cayenne pepper, garlic salt, minced garlic and water. IMPORTANT: You will want retain a 50/50 peanut to water/brine ratio so add water as needed.
- Bring to a rapid boil while stirring frequently
- Once the peanuts have been boiling for approx. 10 minutes, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and cover with lid. Simmer for 8-10 hours.
- Check water level about every hour to 2 hours, if there is not an approximate 50/50 peanut to water ratio add some hot water along the way
- At 8 hours take a test peanut and pop it open to try. When you eat it you want to look for a kidney bean-like texture, I know, sounds weird, but you’ll see. If the desired texture is not achieved at 8 hours, boil for another 2 hours for a total cook time of 10 hours.
- Once cooked to your liking, serve with the same 50/50 peanut to brine ratio and enjoy!
- Place the leftovers in a large jar or tightly sealed container or ziplock and reheat as needed
- To reheat, simply place a 50/50 peanut to brine ratio in a pot on medium heat and cover. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes. Repeat and enjoy!
Notes
- If you've had boiled peanuts before then you know, but its worth stating just in-case, you do not eat the peanut shell.
- I've been told you can also cook these in a crock-pot. Leave a comment below if you try!
- These can be made several days in advance. Try making them and bringing to your next camping or hunting trip!