Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds raw peanuts in shells
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 10 cups water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the raw peanuts in cold water and remove any debris or damaged peanuts.
2. In a large pot, combine the water, brown sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
3. Add the peanuts to the pot and stir to coat them with the seasoning mixture.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the peanuts simmer for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. After 4-6 hours, test the peanuts for doneness by removing one from the pot and cracking it open. The peanuts should be soft and fully cooked.
6. Once the peanuts are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the peanuts cool in the liquid for 30 minutes.
7. Drain the peanuts in a colander and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
8. Serve the boiled peanuts warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat for 4-6 hours.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 310
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1530mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Crushed red pepper can be used instead of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead of garlic powder and onion powder.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce for a savory twist.
- Use Cajun seasoning instead of the sweet and spicy seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a large pot to prevent the peanuts from boiling over.
- Stir the peanuts occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add more water if needed to keep the peanuts covered during cooking.
- Store leftover boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover boiled peanuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat boiled peanuts, microwave them for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the boiled peanuts in a large bowl with a scoop or ladle for guests to serve themselves.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top of the boiled peanuts for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Boiled peanuts pair well with cold beer or sweet tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve boiled peanuts with grilled meats, coleslaw, or potato salad for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peanuts are not fully cooked after 4-6 hours, continue simmering until they are soft and tender.
- If the peanuts are too salty, rinse them in cold water before serving.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw peanuts.
- Store leftover boiled peanuts in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Boiled peanuts are a Southern tradition that dates back to the Civil War era. Peanuts were a cheap and plentiful source of protein for soldiers, and boiling them made them easier to digest.
Flavor profiles:
This recipe for sweet and spicy boiled peanuts has a balance of sweet and savory flavors with a spicy kick from the red pepper flakes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve boiled peanuts as a snack or appetizer at a party or barbecue.
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