Crockpot Cajun-Boiled Peanuts Recipe

Boiled peanuts are a Southern snack that has been enjoyed for generations. These deliciously salty and savory nuts are a staple at sporting events, street stands, and backyard barbecues throughout the region. Making them is simple and straightforward and we've added some extra spice to make these even more mouthwatering. 

Recipe developer and wellness coach Miriam Hahn brings us this recipe for crockpot Cajun-boiled peanuts and says, "Since boiling the peanuts takes several hours, I love using my crockpot for this, so you aren't tied to the house during cooking. You pretty much just dump everything in and can leave them unattended. When they're done you have something great to munch on during a day of football or a family game night. Nuts are actually very nutritious and contain protein and healthy fats making them a better choice than processed snacks."

To make this recipe, you'll need some raw or green peanuts, which are not the same as roasted peanuts that you would typically find in a store. "The green peanuts are essentially raw peanuts that are harvested before they fully mature, but with raw or green peanuts we'll use the same cooking time and method. You will have the most luck finding raw peanuts online," Hahn explains. You'll need to boil some water. To season the boiled peanuts, we'll be using Cajun spices, so pick up some Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic granules, red pepper flakes, and liquid smoke.

Pull out a full-size crockpot and dump in the rinsed peanuts. Now add the Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic granules, and red pepper flakes. Stir to distribute the spices. "You can really get creative with the seasonings when making boiled peanuts. Another good combination is chili powder, cumin, and salt if you want to try something new for your next batch," Hahn shares.

Now heat up some water on the stove or in a tea kettle. "Boiling the water before adding it to the crockpot speeds up our cooking process," Hahn explains. Pour the boiling water into the crockpot and make sure the water is about 1 to 2-inches above the peanuts. Stir again and add in the liquid smoke. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 8 hours. "After about 4 hours, give the mixture a stir but try to resist the temptation to open the lid again during cooking time," Hahn remarks.

After the peanuts have been in the crockpot for 8 hours, they are ready to serve. They should be soft and tender but not mushy or falling apart. Scoop them out of the crock pot with a slotted spoon and drain them in a colander. You'll want to dry them off with a dish towel before putting them in a serving bowl. "While they are warm, you can sprinkle them with more salt," Hahn shares.

If you're putting out a game day spread, a tangy dill dip served with fresh veggies is an excellent addition, or a whipped feta dip with crackers will also pair well. Because these peanuts have a higher moisture content, they won't last as long as roasted peanuts. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.