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Boiled peanuts in white bowls.

How to boil peanuts with or without shell

Learn how to make delicious boiled peanuts at home with this easy guide. Whether you prefer them shelled or unshelled, I've got you covered.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Other, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: All
Servings: 8
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs raw peanuts with shell or 1 lb raw peanuts without shell
  • Water enough to cover the peanuts
  • ¼ cup salt for peanuts with shell and 1 tablespoon of salt for peanuts without shell

Instructions

Boiling Peanuts with Shells (Unshelled Peanuts):

  • Rinse the Peanuts: Wash the unshelled raw peanuts thoroughly to remove dirt or debris.
  • Instant Pot: Place the unshelled peanuts in the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts completely. Add ¼ cup of salt and give it a quick mix. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 75 minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes). Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, check for tenderness, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
  • Stovetop: Place the unshelled peanuts in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add ¼ cup of salt and give it a quick mix. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the peanuts cook for 3½-4 hours. Check for the water level and tenderness periodically. Once tender, adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
  • Slow Cooker: Place the unshelled peanuts in the slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the peanuts. Add ¼ cup of salt and give it a quick mix. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 6-7 hours or on low for 11-12 hours. Check for tenderness, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Boiling Peanuts without Shells (Shelled Peanuts):

  • Rinse the Peanuts: Wash the raw shelled peanuts thoroughly.
  • Instant Pot: Place the shelled peanuts in the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts completely. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and give it a quick mix. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 30 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, check for tenderness, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
  • Stovetop: Place the shelled peanuts in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and give it a quick mix. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the peanuts cook for 1½-2 hours. Check for the water level and tenderness periodically. Once tender, adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
  • Slow Cooker: Place the shelled peanuts in the slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the peanuts. Add 1 tablespoons of salt and give it a quick mix. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Check for tenderness, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Soaking: For stovetop and slow cooker methods, soaking the peanuts in water for a few hours or overnight can reduce the cooking time.
  • Seasoning: Experiment with different spices to add more flavor to your boiled peanuts.
  • Storage: Boiled peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 1757mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg
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