Spicy Southern Boiled Peanuts

Serves 6 · 15 min prep · 180 min cook

Ingredients

• 2 lb raw green peanuts in shell
• 4 quarts water
• 1/3 cup kosher salt
• 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
• 1 packet crab boil seasoning packet
• 6 garlic cloves
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp hot sauce

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the raw green peanuts thoroughly under cool water, discarding any that float or look damaged, then place them in a large stockpot.
2. 2Cover the peanuts with the water so they are submerged by at least two inches; the shells will absorb liquid as they cook.
3. 3Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and add them to the pot along with the bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, crab boil packet, smoked paprika, cayenne, and kosher salt.
4. 4Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the pot and drop the spent halves in as well, then stir in the hot sauce.
5. 5Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer and cover partially so steam can escape.
6. 6Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes and adding hot water if the level drops below the peanuts, until the shells are soft and the nuts inside are tender and salty.
7. 7Taste a peanut after two hours; continue cooking if you want a softer, more seasoned bite typical of classic roadside boiled peanuts.
8. 8Turn off the heat and let the peanuts sit in the hot brine for at least 30 minutes so they soak up maximum Cajun flavor.
9. 9Drain well or serve straight from the pot with a slotted spoon, offering extra napkins because the shells will be messy and delicious.