Description
Dill Pickle Boiled Peanuts are a flavorful Southern snack made by simmering raw green peanuts in a tangy dill pickle brine infused with garlic, dill, and spices. These peanuts are soft, savory, and perfect for serving warm or chilled as a unique appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw green peanuts (fresh or thawed)
- 3 cups pickle brine
- 3 cups water
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons dill weed or 3 tablespoons fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons pickling spices (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or liquid smoke (optional)
- Additional fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary) to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanuts: Rinse the raw green peanuts thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using frozen peanuts, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking.
- Make the Brine: In a large pot, combine the pickle brine and water. Add smashed garlic cloves, dill weed or fresh dill, salt, and any optional pickling spices. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Peanuts: Add the peanuts to the simmering brine. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours until the peanuts reach your desired softness. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep peanuts fully submerged.
- Adjust Flavor and Texture: Taste a few peanuts to check for seasoning and tenderness. Adjust salt or spices as preferred and continue cooking for a softer texture if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the peanuts cool in the brine to absorb flavors fully. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh dill or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Fresh green peanuts are essential for authentic boiled peanuts; frozen can be used if thawed properly.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Adding a touch of honey or brown sugar balances the tanginess if preferred.
- Keep peanuts submerged in brine to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
- The cooking time can be extended for softer peanuts, depending on your texture preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
