Bolt Peanuts

AKA....boiled peanuts. 

Where I come from, people say "boltpeanuts".  It's all a bit smushed together.  It's okay. We know what we are talking about.  But, people in Smalltown, VA haven't a clue. 

On the way to Wrightsville Beach we passed a store selling boiled peanuts.  I HAD to buy some.  Obviously.  Barbie looked at me as if I were insane.  "What in the world are boiled peanuts?" she asked. Turns out she isn't a fan, but that's okay:)

The best boiled peanuts are generally purchased from a guy like this:

(He is usually called by something indistinguishable.  Unless he has printed it on his van.  In this case, our vendor is called Smitty.)

(AND..he will always scoop out a "sample taste" for ya.  because he knows HIS boiled peanuts are THE BEST)

For those of you who are not familiar:

"Boiled peanuts are a traditional snack in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. They are an acquired taste, but according to southerners, they are totally addictive. From May through November, all over the south, you will see roadside stands - ranging from woodsheds to shiny trailers - offering fresh boiled peanuts. Sometimes they are hard to open with your fingers, and you must resort to using your teeth, but according to most people, they are worth the trouble.

Southerners will tell you boiled peanuts should always be accompanied by a beer, sweet tea, or a soft drink. Traditionally they are eaten outside where it doesn't matter if wet shells are tossed or spit on the ground." -WhatsCookingAmerica.net

I've decided that I need to learn how to make boiled peanuts.  My daddy used to do it, and I just know it can't be that hard.  Can it? 

RECIPE

4 to 5 pounds green (raw) peanuts in shell
4 to 6 quarts water
1 cup plain salt per gallon of water

Only use peanuts that are green (uncured). Do not attempt this recipe with roasted peanuts.

Wash unshelled peanuts thoroughly in cold water until water runs clear; then soak in cool, clean water for approximately 30 minutes before cooking.  In a large heavy pot, place soaked peanuts and cover completely with water. NOTE: Add enough water to cover the peanuts by 2 inches.  Add 1 cup of salt per gallon of water.  Cook, covered, on high heat for 4 to 7 hours.

Boil the peanuts for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally, and then taste.  Taste again in 10 minutes, both for salt and texture.  Keep cooking and tasting until the peanuts reach desired texture (when fully cooked, the texture of the peanut should be similar to that of a cooked dry pea or bean).

NOTE: The cooking time of boiled peanuts varies according to the maturity of the peanuts used and the variety of peanuts. The cooking time for a "freshly pulled" or green peanut is shorter than for a peanut that has been stored for a time.

Remove from heat and drain peanuts after cooking or they will absorb salt and become over salted. Peanuts may be eaten hot or at room temperature, or chilled in the refrigerator and eaten cold, shelling as you eat them.


AND....just a little trivia for your next game night:

"On May 1, 2006, Gov. Mark Sanford came to York County and officially signed into law, H.4585, to make the boiled peanut South Carolina's official state snack food. Tom Stanford, a Winthrop University graduate, came up with the idea in a government class because he likes boiled peanuts.



SECTION 1. The General Assembly finds that boiled peanuts are a delicious and popular snack food that are found both in stores and roadside stands across the State, and this unique snack food is defined as peanuts that are immersed in boiling water for at least one hour while still in the shell. The General Assembly further finds that this truly Southern delicacy is worthy of designation as the official state snack food."

GOD LOVE SOUTH CAROLINA <3

T