Fresh Approach Cooking

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Have you ever wondered how you really know you’ve landed in the American South?

Well kids, never fear: I’m here to tell you, and it’s quite simple. The big clue? Easy to spot roadside stands selling boiled peanuts.

I’m not sure about the origins or history of this delicacy - or exactly how popular they are, but in my humble opinion, they are one of the worlds greatest treats, and they are only found on the highways and biways deep in the heart of Dixie.

So what are they and how do you find them? And more importantly, how do you make them in your own home?

In answer to the first question, they are peanuts (still in the shell) that have been boiled in (very) heavily salted water. That's about it, although, as a bonus, they also come in Cajun style, a simple and elegant refinement to the original, which is a near perfect foodstuff. The difference between regular and Cajun? Jalepenos, pickles, and Cajun spice mix. Seriously. Whoever came up with this should be awarded a prize. A big, huge, shiny prize. Preferably monetary.

The peanuts come out of the water soft and salty, with a touch of nuttiness still in tact. They really don’t taste like any thing else I have ever had, but heavens, they taste good.

If you haven’t already, you should add them to your "Foods To Eat Before You Die" list. Since I’ve had them, they aren’t on my list any longer, but I’ll say this, they certainly are in my permanent repertoire.

Okay, so I really am being a touch too academic about this whole thing, but that’s just my style, I should just point out they are awesome. Try them, and see for yourself.

1 pound raw peanuts, in shell
1/2 cup salt
1 gallon water
¼ cup dill pickle slices, with brine
1 small jalepeno pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon Cajun spice mix

Note: Raw peanuts means they are not roasted.

In a large pot, combine the peanuts, salt, water, peppers and spice mix. Bring to a boil.
Simmer over low heat for a minimum of four hours (really, they will be fine.) Add the pickles and continue to boil for 3o more minutes. Test one and see, they should be soft.
When ready to serve, scoop from the pot and enjoy.

The peanut stand shown in the photos above is Jamie's Boiled P-Nuts on Route 27 in Clermont, Florida. Jamie is just about the cutest thing ever and her peanuts are the best. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello!
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The peanut plant originated in South America. It is not a nut, but a legume related to beans and lentils. They are sometimes called goobers or groundnuts.

Two peanut farmers have been elected president of the United States - Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter - National Peanut Board

Did you hear about the two peanuts walking in Central Park? One of them was a salted.

Labels: Appetizer