Boiled Cajun Peanuts

Serves 6 · 10 min prep · 180 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 lb raw green peanuts in shell
• 1 gallon plus more as needed water
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
• 1 packet or 2 tbsp crab boil seasoning packet or powder
• 6 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the raw green peanuts thoroughly under cool water, discarding any that float or look damaged.
2. 2Place the peanuts in a large stockpot and cover them with the gallon of water so they are submerged by at least 2 inches.
3. 3Stir in the kosher salt, Cajun seasoning, crab boil, smashed garlic, bay leaves, cayenne, and hot sauce until the brine is well mixed.
4. 4Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cover partially.
5. 5Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding hot water as needed to keep the peanuts covered.
6. 6Start tasting after 90 minutes: the shells should be soft and the peanuts inside tender and salty like a cooked bean.
7. 7Continue simmering until they reach your preferred softness—some like them still slightly firm, others fully creamy.
8. 8Turn off the heat and let the peanuts sit in the hot seasoned brine for at least 30 minutes so they absorb maximum flavor.
9. 9Drain or scoop out a serving with a slotted spoon, leaving the rest in the brine to stay moist.
10. 10Serve warm in a bowl, encouraging everyone to crack the shells and enjoy the spicy, salty peanuts inside; keep napkins handy.