Boiled peanuts are a Southern delicacy. But not everyone has the time to boil peanuts for hours and hours. That’s why we use an Instant Pot to make them quickly and effortlessly. Instant Pot Boiled peanuts make excellent low calorie , protein rich snack loved by kids and adults alike !
Recipes for boiled peanuts are abound, but most require a lot of hands-on involvement. That's not at all the case with this recipe for Instant Pot boiled peanuts. Read on to learn why they turn out perfect every time.
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Boiled Peanuts ! The name brings instant smile on many faces. They are great snack packed in tiny little shells stuffed with yummy goodness.
This protein rich vegetarian snack is our "go to" family favorite. It is super affordable and budget friendly too.
Raw pink peanuts used to be one of my most favorite childhood snack and I am so glad now my kids like it as well.
Serving Suggestions
I love munching on a bowlful of boiled raw peanuts while reading a book. These peanuts are a perfect snack for game day gatherings at home or tailgating outdoors.
Don't forget to serve this southern snack during backyard BBQ parties or casual get togethers. You won't believe how nostalgic folks get while crack opening them with childhood memories.
Famous Snack across the countries
And it looks like, boiled peanuts is a great snack enjoyed all over the world. When I was researching the ideas for this recipe, I was amazed to see it has it's showing and liking across different cultures and regions.
Saw several recipes on African blogs. There were quiet a few on Latin American blogs. And then there were plenty of American blogs especially with Southern state of Georgia references. Food brings us closer across the culture most heartily, isn't it?
Indian Street Food style boiled peanuts
Boiled peanut sprinkled with warm spices and salt is one of the sought after street foods all over India. Street foods make me nostalgic. These salty treats are available only few months when farmer's harvest them after monsoon season in India. It’s used to be after school snack when we were young. Roadside stands and food vendors and hawkers sell them in paper cones and the it's treat to eat them.
Storing
Leftovers? Frankly, we almost never have them. But if you do, boiled peanuts are good for about 24 hours at room temperature. Store them in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days. For longer storage, boiled peanuts should be frozen. Raw dried peanuts, keep for over four months in a cool, dark, dry spot.
Why Make boiled peanuts in Instant Pot
Traditional method of making boiled peanuts requires cooking the peanuts in a brine solution for several hours to get the softness. Now with electric pressure cooker like Instant Pot, it's easy and quick to make them. It is yet another perfect recipe that uses power of pressure cooker perfectly!
Quick and easy Recipe : The cooking process is quite easy. You rinse and sort through the peanuts, then add them to the steel insert pot of your Instant Pot, along with coarse sea salt. You close the lid and let it make it magic. Don't we love these easy dump and go recipes!
Ingredients
- Peanuts : Raw peanuts in the shell that are not roasted. I often purchase mine at my local farmer’s market. Lately, I see them often sold in Asian and Indian Grocery stores across Midwest. Bags of dry shell peanuts are available in any grocery store through out the year.
- Salt : ½ cup coarse sea salt. The salty water seeps through the shells to get salty flavor.
- Lemon Juice : I like the tangy lemon flavor. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Salt and lemon are super basic yet ultra tasty.
- Water : much needed liquid enough to cover the peanuts completely.
Instructions
- Sort through the peanuts to clean the soil and debris. Rinse peanuts well and place into the Instant Pot.
- Add salt and lemon juice to the insert pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts and stir.
- Lock the lid in place and vent sealed. Using the manual setting, cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
- When IP is done cooking , allow the pressure to completely release naturally.
- Open the lid and stir well. Let them cool off some. Drizzle some extra lemon juice and enjoy your yummy creation.
Pot In Pot Cooking in Instant Pot
If you are making them Pot in Pot with other food, make sure cooking time is at least 40 minutes. I often make them while making rice, beans or potatoes. Important thing in PIP cooking is to cover them with lid so steam helps them cook quicker.
Seasoning Suggestions
I like to season mine only with sea salt and lemon. You can also use onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavors.
Spice them up with your favorites if you like. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, curry powder or cajun seasoning or creole seasoning will work superbly.
I have had peanuts boiled with pickles or pickled jalapenos as well. If you love the spicy kick, add a cup of either one while cooking.
Pro Tips
- You can use “green” or raw peanuts or dry shelled peanuts to make this recipe. Cooking time will very significantly depending upon which type of peanuts you use. See the chart in the notes.
- Do not boil roasted peanuts , the ones you get in the ballparks.
- You can adjust the amount of salt if you are watching your sodium intake.
Stove Top Directions
- Sort through the peanuts to clean the soil and dirt. Rinse peanuts well and place into the heavy bottom Dutch oven. Put it on the stove on medium high heat.
- Add salt and lemon juice to the pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts and stir. Put a heavy stainless steel plate or some weight over the peanuts so they don't float on top.
- Let the water come to boil. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 3 hours on medium low heat. Check often to make sure there is enough water in the pot. Add water when necessary.
- Remove from the heat when they are tender to your preference. Let them rest covered for 30 minutes. Drain the water in colander. Serve and enjoy.
Healthy Easy Snack Recipes
Want more healthy snacks ? Looking for more ideas to feed those kids running home hungry after school ? We have some great collection of snacks that are nutritious and healthy.
- Almond Flour Cookie Dough Balls - Vegan and gluten free
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas - Plant Protein power house.
- Chili Garlic Edamame - easy and delicious
- Cheesy Potato Poppers - Oh so yumm
- Healthy Apple Nachos - Gourmet and satisfying.
Questions ?
If you’ve never had boiled peanuts, they’re a little different than what you might expect. The outside shell is wrinkly, somewhat soft and salty. You crack it open by holding it between your thumb and first finger. The peanuts inside are soft, rather than crunchy. Texture wise, they feel like firm, cooked bean.
Green peanuts are freshly picked and normally available between May and November. Raw peanuts are peanuts that have been dried. They have a longer shelf life and are easily available through out the year.
If you only find raw peanuts, to make this recipe, you’ll want to soak them overnight and add about 30 minutes to the cook time. If using raw peanuts, soak them overnight in cold water and cook them for 85 to 90 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.
Yes and no because it is a personal preference. The outer shells get softened in the boiling process. I prefer to discard the shells and eat just the inside legume. However, I have seen people eat the soft peanut shell as well.
Add salt, water and raw peanuts to the slow cooker. Turn it on HIGH and set up for 12 hours. They will be nice and ready to be devoured. You can do this recipe overnight as well.
It is a good idea to soak dried peanuts before cooking. Soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Similar to dry beans, soaking the raw peanuts ensures that they will cook nice and soft easily with tender texture.
★ If you make this Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts Recipe do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw or green peanuts in the shell not roasted
- ½ cup coarse sea salt
- Water enough to cover the peanuts completely.
- 1 Lemon juiced
Useful Kitchen Tools
- Colander
- Steamer basket or Trivet
Instructions
- Sort through the peanuts to clean the soil and debris. Place them in colander and rinse and drain well.
- Place into the Instant Pot. Add salt. Add enough water to cover the peanuts and stir. Peanuts will float at the top, so you will need to place a weight on top of them to keep them submerged. I use a steamer basket or trivet.
- Lock the lid in place and vent sealed. Use MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK . Choose 40 minutes high pressure.
- When IP is done cooking , allow the pressure to completely release naturally.
- Open the lid and stir well. Let them cool off some. Pour the peanuts and water into a colander in your kitchen sink and let the water drain.
- Shell the peanuts and enjoy your yummy creation.
STOVETOP METHOD :
- Sort through the peanuts to clean the soil and debris. Rinse peanuts well and place into the heavy bottom dutch oven. Put it on the stove on medium high heat.
- Add salt and lemon juice to the pot. Add enough water to cover the peanuts and stir. Put a heavy stainless steel plate or some weight over the peanuts so they don't float on top.
- Let the water come to boil. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 3 hours on medium low heat. Check often to make sure there is enough water in the pot. Add water when necessary.
- Remove from the heat when they are tender to your preference. Let them rest covered for 30 minutes. Drain the water in colander. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Raw / Green Peanuts : 40 Minutes high pressure.
- Dry ( Non Roasted ) shell peanuts : 60-80 minutes , high pressure cooked with weight down so they don't float while cooking.
- For really soft peanuts : 80 minutes
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