Southern Style Roasted and Salted Peanuts in the Shell
Indulge in the delightful taste of freshly roasted peanuts in their shells, a classic Southern snack that brings back memories of backyard gatherings and family movie nights. Unlike store-bought counterparts that often lack flavor and crunch, this homemade version turns raw peanuts into a warm, salty treat that will elevate your snacking experience. With just a few days of patience and a couple of simple steps, you'll create a perfect balance of salty and nutty flavors that will have your family reaching for more. Ideal for parties, game day, or cozy evenings, these peanuts are a wholesome alternative bursting with character. Note that thorough preparation is necessary for the best results, so plan ahead and treat your taste buds to something extraordinary!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw peanuts in the shell
2 pounds (none)
iodized salt
1 cup (dissolved in water)
water
16 cups (heated to boiling)
Instructions
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1. Begin by heating 16 cups of water in a large pot until it reaches a rolling boil. If your pot is smaller than 5-6 quarts, you may need to do this in batches.
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2. Once boiling, carefully dissolve 1 cup of iodized salt into the water, stirring until fully incorporated.
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3. Add 2 lbs of raw peanuts in the shell to the salty brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a plate or pie pan to weigh down the peanuts if necessary, preventing them from floating above the brine.
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4. Stir the peanuts gently every hour for the next 5 hours to allow them to soak up the saltwater brine evenly.
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5. After the soaking period, pour off the salty water using a colander or strainer. Rinse the peanuts lightly with fresh water to remove any dirt and impurities, but be cautious not to over-rinse; you want to retain some salt.
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6. Transfer the rinsed peanuts to cooling racks set inside two half-sheet pans. If you have smaller pans, you may need to use more. Spread them out to allow for good airflow, and let them dry for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally. To expedite drying, consider placing them in front of a fan or using a food dehydrator.
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7. When the peanuts are completely dry, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roast the peanuts on the center rack for 25-30 minutes, stirring them at the 15-minute mark for even cooking.
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8. Keep an eye on the peanuts as they roast; check them at 25 minutes and again at 30 minutes to achieve your desired level of roast. Remember that they will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the oven.
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9. For a spicy kick, consider adding a few dashes of liquid hot sauce to the brine during soaking, if desired, to infuse heat into your roasted peanuts.
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10. Allow the peanuts to cool completely before enjoying. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
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11. Enjoy your homemade roasted salted peanuts as a snack anytime!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of peanuts are used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of raw peanuts that are still in their shells.
How much salt is required for the brine?
You will need 1 cup of iodized salt to create the soaking brine.
How much water is needed to soak the peanuts?
You should use 16 cups of water, heated to a rolling boil.
How long should the peanuts soak in the saltwater brine?
The peanuts need to soak in the brine for a total of 5 hours.
Do I need to stir the peanuts while they are soaking?
Yes, stir the peanuts gently every hour during the 5-hour soaking period to ensure even flavor absorption.
How do I keep the peanuts from floating in the brine?
You can use a plate or a pie pan to weigh down the peanuts so they stay fully submerged.
Should I rinse the peanuts after they soak?
Yes, rinse them lightly with fresh water to remove impurities, but be careful not to over-rinse so you retain some saltiness.
How long do the peanuts need to dry after soaking?
The peanuts should air dry for 2 to 3 days until they are completely dry.
Can I speed up the drying process?
Yes, you can use a fan or a food dehydrator to help the peanuts dry faster.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do I roast the peanuts?
Roast the peanuts for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Should I stir the peanuts while they roast?
Yes, stir them at the 15-minute mark to ensure they cook evenly.
How do I know when the peanuts are finished roasting?
Check them at 25 minutes and again at 30 minutes to reach your desired level of roastiness.
Do the peanuts continue to cook after leaving the oven?
Yes, they will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat after being removed from the oven.
Can I make these peanuts spicy?
Yes, you can add a few dashes of liquid hot sauce to the brine during the soaking phase to infuse them with heat.
How should I store the finished roasted peanuts?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunch.
What size pot is recommended for boiling the water?
A large pot of at least 5 to 6 quarts is recommended for 16 cups of water.
What if my pot is too small?
If your pot is smaller than 5-6 quarts, you may need to prepare the brine and soak the peanuts in batches.
What equipment should I use for drying the peanuts?
Use cooling racks set inside two half-sheet pans to allow for good airflow during the 2-3 day drying period.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is a classic Southern style snack often enjoyed at gatherings and game days.
Why is the drying step so important?
Thorough drying is necessary to ensure the peanuts become crunchy rather than soggy when roasted.
When should I eat the peanuts?
Wait until the peanuts have cooled completely before eating them for the best texture.
What is the first step in the recipe?
The first step is heating 16 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
How much salt is dissolved in the water?
One cup of iodized salt is dissolved into the boiling water to create the brine.
Can I use sea salt instead of iodized salt?
The recipe specifies iodized salt, though other salts may work if measured by weight or adjusted for granularity.
How many pounds of peanuts does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 2 pounds of raw peanuts in the shell.
Are these peanuts a healthy snack?
The description mentions they are a wholesome alternative to many processed store-bought snacks.
What rack should I use in the oven?
The peanuts should be roasted on the center rack of the oven.
How do I remove the brine water?
After the 5-hour soak, pour off the salty water using a colander or a strainer.
Can I use shelled peanuts for this specific recipe?
This recipe is specifically tailored for peanuts still in the shell.