Incredible “Indian” Inspired Boiled Peanuts

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Oh Lordy!!.  When you say “Boiled Peanuts” can you get any more Southern?  Boiled Peanuts played such a big part of my upbringing and when I eat boiled peanuts I am taken right back to my childhood. 

Growing up my grandparents always had a garden.  They grew such a big variety of fruits and vegetables.  Both of my grandparents loved to garden and every summer we could always count on fresh butter beans, okra, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cucumbers, squash, onions, green beans and of course peanuts. 

I remember my granddad would plow up the peanuts and would bring the fresh green peanuts to my Grandmother in her small but very productive kitchen.  When I was small I honestly did not know the peanuts had to be green or raw to make boiled peanuts.  My grandmother would clean them, soak then in really salty water for several hours, clean them again and then bring them to boil in a big pan of salty water.  She would simmer the nuts all day until they were soft and then she would dip us out a big bowl and we would dig in with such gusto.  We all love us some “boiled peanuts”! 

While at the NC Farmer’s Market this weekend I noticed that green peanuts were in season so of course I had to buy a big bags of peanuts in anticipation for a big pot of boiled peanuts.

On my ride home, I was throwing around in my head how to switch it up and make the boiled peanuts a little differently this time. How do you jazz up boiled peanuts? That’s when the thought popped in my head. Indian food is one of my favorite types of cuisine so why not add Indian spices to my boiled peanuts.

And so I did. I added curry, turmeric, cumin, and garlic to my boiled peanuts. I cooked the peanuts the usual allotted time and presto – Indian inspired boiled peanuts. Can I just say these peanuts were absolutely delicious. The ground aromatic spices with the garlic make these Indian peanuts with a robust burst of flavor a new favorite with my family. If you love boiled peanuts and Indian food you have to try this recipe. Oh so good!!

Incredible “Indian” inspired Boiled Peanuts

Recipe by Cooking with Aunt PamCourse: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: Southern, IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

A twist in a perfect southern snack – Indian spiced boiled peanuts. Classic southern snack with a robust Indian flavor.

Ingredients

• Five pounds of fresh green peanuts (this makes a pretty big batch) or raw peanuts

• 2 tablespoons of roasted garlic or roasted garlic powder

• 10 to 12 cloves of fresh garlic

• 1/2 cup of salt

• 3 tablespoons of curry powder

• 2 tablespoons of cumin

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 4 gallons of water (enough water to bring the peanuts to a float)

Directions

• Wash the peanuts in cold water until the water runs clear.  Soak the peanuts for 20-30 minutes to loosen any remaining dirt. 
   
• Drain and rinse the peanuts to remove any remaining dirt.  Add the peanuts to a 16-quart pot.  Add the salt, roasted garlic powder, cumin, curry, turmeric and garlic cloves. Stir well.  Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, 5 to 8 hours or until peanuts are tender, adding water as needed to keep peanuts covered; stir occasionally. When the peanuts have boiled 3 hours, check for texture and saltiness. If the peanuts are not salty enough, add salt in 1/4-cup increments, turn off heat, and let soak 1 hour.
• Strain the peanuts and once they are cooled and after you have eaten a hot bowl of boiled peanuts, store the peanuts in the fridge for up to one week.         

Recipe Video