Peanuts are delicious treats, and they can be found in many places that include residences, ball games, airlines, etc. There are also many ways to cook raw peanuts, and each and every way comes with its own flavorful punch that is great for any occasion or event. The two that will be discussed in this article will be roasting the peanuts and boiling them. Each are very common ways of cooking raw peanuts, and both end products are delicious.
Boiling Raw Peanuts
Boiling peanuts is a method of peanut preparation that is much more prevalent in the southern portion of the United States. The process simply involves salt water, and the freshly boiled results are too addictive to give up! The boiling process requires 2 lbs. of raw, unshelled peanuts, a fourth of a cup of salt, a large pot, and a strainer.
1. Rinse the unshelled peanuts. This should normally be done in cold water. The water should actually run clear before the rinsing process is complete. This makes sure that they are extra clean.
2. After the peanuts have been rinsed, soak them in fresh, cool water for about a half hour.
3. After the soaking process completes, put the peanuts in the pot. You’ll need to also begin filling the pot with water until all of the peanuts are underwater.
4. Next, pour your 1/4 cup of salt in. Stir the mixture around in the pot (if you’d like) using a wooden spoon or any utensil that you’d like.
5. You’ll need to heat the pot and wait for it to come to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the application of heat, and cover the pot with a lid. You’ll want to leave the peanuts to simmer for about an hour.
6. Once the peanuts have simmered for the correct amount of time, pour the contents into the strainer and leave to cool and dry. Congratulations – you’ve made boiled peanuts!
Roasting Raw Peanuts
Roasting is another great way to cook peanuts, and roasting them yourself provides an even tastier and fresh flavor. To roast your raw peanuts, you’ll need peanuts (doesn’t matter if they have the shell or not), a baking sheet, an oven, and salt.
1. You’ll want to begin the process by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Toss the peanuts with some salt. The amount of salt is left to your discretion – it’s a matter of preference.
3. Pour the peanuts out onto the baking sheet, and spread them out so there is a single layer.
4. Place in the oven if it has fully risen to 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. If you’ve decided to leave the shells on, add another 15 minutes.
5. Make sure to stir the peanuts around about halfway through the cooking time.
6. Be sure to remove the peanuts from the oven when they are almost done (but not completely). The reason that you need to do this is because the peanuts will continue to cook once they have left the oven because they will still be extremely hot. This is truer for peanuts in the shell.
7. Cool the peanuts for about a half hour before eating to prevent burning yourself. Enjoy your roasted peanuts!
