Boiled Peanuts

One of the staple foods in the South is definitely boiled peanuts or as they say in the South "bald" peanuts.  It is definitely easier to buy them than to make them yourself, but they are so good when you make them fresh.  If you have a pressure cooker, you can make them in half the time.  I don't have one so I boil my peanuts 7 to 8 hours.  It's very simple to make boiled peanuts because you all you do is boil them, duh!  It just takes time to boil them.  So start them early in the morning so you're not waking up in the middle of the night to check on them.

Boiled Peanuts

2 pounds of fresh green peanuts
8 - 10 cups water
1/2 cup salt

Put green peanuts in a large pot.  Add water to cover the peanuts.  Add the salt and bring to a boil.  Cover and reduce heat to low or medium low.  Boil for 7 - 8 hours until peanuts are softened.  You will need to add more water when you check them since the water evaporates ( and you need to check them often).  You can add a little more salt if needed, but be careful--you want the peanuts salty, but not too salty.  After about 6 hours of cooking, I will taste a peanut to see if it is soft or if it needs a little more salt.  You just have to keep checking and tasting until they are cooked they way you like them.  When done, pour into a colander to drain off water.  Let cool.  Of course you have to eat some while they are cooling, and if there are any left, store in refrigerator :-)

**Remember:  You must use fresh green peanuts.  You can't boil roasted peanuts.