Description
Dill Pickle Boiled Peanuts are a tangy, savory snack made by simmering raw green peanuts in a flavorful brine of pickle juice, garlic, and dill. This Southern-inspired recipe yields tender peanuts infused with the iconic dill pickle flavor, making them a unique and addictive appetizer or snack to enjoy warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw green peanuts (fresh or thawed)
- 3 cups pickle brine
- 3 cups water
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons dried 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 under cool running water thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. If you are 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 the smashed garlic cloves, dill (either dried or fresh), salt, and any optional pickling spices you like. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Peanuts: Add the cleaned peanuts to the simmering brine. Reduce the heat to low and allow them to cook gently for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep peanuts fully submerged.
- Check Flavor and Tenderness: Periodically sample a few peanuts to check their texture and flavor. Adjust salt or spices as desired and continue cooking until the peanuts reach your preferred tenderness.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and allow the peanuts to cool in the brine. This helps the flavors penetrate fully. Serve the peanuts warm or chilled, garnished with fresh dill or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed raw green peanuts for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust salt and spice quantities according to your taste preferences.
- Keeping peanuts submerged in the brine is crucial for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- The cooking time can vary depending on peanut size and freshness; start checking tenderness around 2 hours.
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the brine.
- These peanuts can be stored in the refrigerator in their brine for up to one week.
