I want you to take a tasty adventure with an easy dish that will elevate your overall taste – try the Cajun boiled peanuts recipe.
In this blog post, we will discuss the complete process of preparation of Cajun boiled peanuts. Later, we will also look at variations, pro tips to level up the taste, storage, and freezing tips, and much more.
Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Cajun Boiled Peanuts are a well-known snack that is prepared by boiling green peanuts in a tasty broth. This broth contains garlic, salt, and Cajun spices like paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and other spices like bay leaves, onion, and thymes.
The peanuts absorb the flavours of the seasoning as they are prepared, resulting in a spicy and savoury snack. You can either eat them hot or cold, depending on the different recipes.
Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe Tips
- Choose the right peanuts: Use fresh green peanuts. Avoid using the roasted or salted peanuts because they won’t become soft.
- Soak the peanuts: Soaking them overnight helps them cook faster and ensures evenly cooked. You can also use hot water for soaking for an hour.
- Use a good Cajun seasoning: A good Cajun seasoning contains tasty, smoky, and spicy flavours. You can also get the premade Cajun seasoning from the market or prepare your own.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for several hours until the peanuts are soft. Make sure to check them occasionally and add more water if necessary.
- Add some extras: For additional flavour, you can include ingredients like bay leaves, hot peppers, garlic cloves, or crab boil.
Variations
- Add hot sauce: For spicy peanuts, you can add the hot sauce to the peanuts while cooking. Start with a little and taste as you include more, to avoid too spiciness.
- Use smoked paprika: The smoked paprika provides a smoky and strong taste that works well with the Cajun seasoning.
- Brown sugar: An additional brown sugar provides a pinch of sweetness that balances the spice and salt.
- Thrown in some herbs: The involvement of fresh herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and oregano makes the peanuts taste better
- Add some sausage: Cajun sausage provides a protein-rich element and makes the peanuts taste well.
What to serve
- Crackers: Crackers help in balancing the spiciness of the peanuts. Opt for strong crackers such as water crackers, wheat thins, or pita bread that can hold the moisture.
- Pickles: Pickles provide a sour and sharp taste that balances out the richness of peanuts. You can choose sweet pickles, dill pickles, or pickled okra.
- Gumbo: A classic cajun stew that contains a flavorful and satisfying taste. The gumbo works well with the spicy peanuts.
- Red beans and rice: A traditional creole dish is simple and tasty. The rice and red beans provide a strong base for the spicy peanuts.
- Other cajun-based dishes: Some delicious cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys or etouffee work well with boiled peanuts.
Storing and freezing
Refrigeration
- Short term (up to 1 week): After boiling, drain the peanuts and allow them to cool completely. Please place them in the air-tight container in the refrigerator. You can also store the leftover salty water with the peanuts for more flavour when you warm them.
- Long-term (several months): For long-term storage, make sure to first soak the peanuts in vinegar and spices. Then, cool them completely and place them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Freezing
- Long-term: Freeze the peanuts by placing them one by one on a baking sheet. It prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, place them in the container or sealed bag. Make sure to label the date on it.
- With brine: Cool the brine and peanuts completely. Place them in the container or freezer bags by leaving some space at the top. Freeze them for a maximum of 3 months. Make sure to reheat gently in the brine to maintain the flavour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cajun boiled peanuts recipe provides a delicious version of a traditional southern snack. By including the spicy cajun flavours, these peanuts become a delicious flavorful treat.
So, whether you enjoy them at parties, while watching sports, or sitting at home as a tasty snack, the cajun boiled peanuts will please your taste buds and make you want more.
Read More:- Beanie Weenie Recipe
Cajun Boiled Peanuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw or green peanuts in-shell
- 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1/4 cup salt
- 8 cups water
- additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayennepepper, or bay leaves to taste
Instructions
- Wash the uncooked peanuts with the help ofcold water to remove the dirt or debris.
- In a big pot, add the peanuts, salt, Cajunseasoning, or any other spices as per your liking.
- Now, add the water to the pot until thepeanuts are completely submerged.
- Over high heat, bring the water to a boil.
- After boiling, lower the heat and allow the peanuts to simmer for around 4-6 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally.Check the water level and add more if required to keep the peanuts submerged.
- Try the peanuts periodically to check the tenderness and taste. If the peanuts are not as per your liking or not soft enough then keep cooking and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Once the peanuts are soft and tender, takeoff the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- It’s time to serve the Cajun boiled peanuts.You can enjoy them with cold or hot, with or without shells.