Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

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Instant Pot boiled peanuts in the shell are a southern snack served traditionally in a brown paper bag that has a salty and sometimes spicy delicious flavor.

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WHAT ARE BOILED PEANUTS?

No road trip across the Southeast U.S. would be complete without stopping for boiled peanuts at a roadside stand. Boiled peanuts are definitely an acquired taste but southerners take their traditional snack seriously. They have a smooth creamy flavor similar to chickpeas.  Some like their boiled peanuts mild and salty while others like theirs spicy cajun boiled.

When you crack open the shell and pop out the peanuts, they are slightly slimy in texture and very soft.  Be sure and have a napkin nearby because the peanut juice tends to run down your arms to your elbows.

ARE BOILED PEANUTS HEALTHY FOR YOU?

According to WebMD, lab tests on the peanut extracts show that boiled peanuts had higher antioxidants levels than the raw and roasted peanuts. When peanuts are boiled in their shell, the peanut kernel absorbs antioxidants in the peanut shells and skins. That can’t happen with shelled, skinned peanut kernels, the researchers note.

Antioxidants, which come in many forms and are found in plants, may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, note the researchers.

HOW DO YOU EAT A BOILED PEANUT?

Some people crack the soggy shells open with their hands. They’re also people that pop the whole peanut in their mouth, crack it open with their teeth, extract the nut, and spit out the shell. This way takes talent. Then there are those die-hard southerners that eat the whole thing, shell and all.

DO YOU EAT THE BOILED PEANUT SHELL?

Boiled peanut shells are slightly soft because of the long boiling process. A hardcore southerner might say you should eat the shell. However, most people discard them after picking out the peanuts.

WHERE CAN I GET GREEN RAW PEANUTS?

Normally peanuts are harvest late summer and you can get them at your local farmers market. You also order them off of Amazon in the off season or if you live where they don’t grow peanuts.

Raw Peanuts 

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BOILED PEANUTS

Using your Instant Pot is the quickest and easiest way to make a big batch of boiled peanuts.

WHAT KIND OF PEANUTS SHOULD I USE?

To make boiled peanuts, you must use fresh raw or green peanuts. You can usually get these in the late summer months. Dried or roasted peanuts will not work.

ARE RAW PEANUTS THE SAME AS GREEN?

Green Peanuts are just picked peanuts. It’s best to store them in a cool, dry place like a refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

Raw Peanuts are raw but air-dried, so they are safe to sit out for a week or two at room temperature. These peanuts take a little longer to cook, so be sure and process them 15 minutes longer to active softness.

HOW TO PREP THE PEANUTS

Fill a big bowl or bucket with water, then dump in your peanuts. Pick out any stems or leaves as you run your hands through the peanuts and water. Rinse and do this several times until the water runs clear of dirt.

HOW TO USE AN INSTANT POT FOR BOILED PEANUTS

Making boiled peanuts in the Instant Pot is the quickest way to do it. You add water, vinegar, seasonings, salt, and peanuts to the Instant Pot. Cover and pressure cook for 65 minutes on high with a 30-minute natural pressure release.

This might seem like a long time on an instant pot, but it is much faster than cooking them on a stovetop.

WHAT INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER DO I USE?

I have had my Instant Pot so long that they now have an updated version of it. I would really like to get the new version, it has Wifi and works with an app on my phone if needed! The Instant Pot Smart Wifi combines 8 kitchen appliances in one: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, Saute pan, steamer, and warmer.

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

TIPS FOR FLAVORING BOILED PEANUTS

Salt the water! – Salt is the key to a good southern boiled peanut. It might seem like a lot in the recipe, but don’t skimp, make it salty like the ocean. Don’t worry, most of the salt will remain in the water.

Seasoning – Many boiled peanut vendors offer either traditional or Cajun. You can infuse flavor in your boiled peanuts by adding seasonings, spices, and even aromatic vegetables like jalapeño peppers. My favorite is Old Bay Seasoning and Tony Chachere Seasoning Blends

Just make sure you add enough to flavor the cooking liquid. If you can’t taste it in the liquid, you won’t taste it in the peanuts.

HOW TO STORE BOILED PEANTS

Boiled peanuts are good for about 24 hours at room temperature. After that, you’ll want to refrigerate or freeze them. If you do not eat all your boiled peanuts, store them in an air-tight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to keep them covered in the water they were cooked in. If not, they will dry out and not be as flavorful.

To freeze, cover the peanuts with their boiling juice a place in a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat the peanuts and juice in a pan until they boil.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

You might find your peanuts are a little firm after cooking. This happens when the peanut’s moisture started to draw out before cooking, or you did not cook them long enough. It is perfectly fine to pressure cook them again for another 10 minutes and then allow the pressure to slow release for 20 minutes or so.

OTHER WAYS TO COOK BOILED PEANUTS

PRESSURE COOKER BOILED PEANUTS

If you would like to make your own CANNED BOILED PEANUTS, here are the instructions. It’s very easy to do, but you must use a pressure canner (NOT AN INSTANT POT) because peanuts are a low acid food. They need to be processed at a high temperature and pressure for 90 minutes.  The only thing else you will need for your canned boiled peanuts are green peanuts, figure one pound per quart jar, Canner Pressure Cooker, some canning salt, and spicy cajun seasoning if you want a kick to your boiled peanuts.

CROCK POT BOILED PEANUTS

You can also make crockpot boiled peanuts. It takes a lot longer, but the results in flavor are equal. Head on over to my post for all the details.

TIPS FOR SERVING BOILED PEANUTS

DO YOU EAT BOILED PEANUTS HOT OR COLD?

Boiled peanuts are traditionally served warm in a paper bag. However, some people like them cold, right out of the fridge. If you like them warm, pour them in a pan and warm them up on the medium heat stovetop. Another way is to place the peanuts in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them that way.

HOW TO REHEAT BOILED PEANUTS

Pour the peanuts and enough peanut juice to cover the peanuts in a pan. You might need to add a little water to cover the peanuts. If you do, I suggest adding a bit more salt and seasoning. Bring to a boil and then serve warm.

RECIPES USING LEFTOVER BOILED PEANUTS

Y’all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.

This creamy Thai Peanut Hummus Recipe is loaded with spicy Thai seasonings, hints of cilantro, and coconut all wrapped up with a nutty peanut flavor.  It’s healthy, delicious, and great for dipping vegetables or pita chips.

I appreciate your shares! xox