Heart-Healthy Southern Style Boiled Peanuts

Savor the rich, comforting flavors of the South with this Heart-Healthy Southern Style Boiled Peanuts recipe. Perfect for snacking, these tender, salty peanuts are cooked low and slow in a flavorful blend of sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of paprika and cayenne for a subtly spicy kick. This updated take on a classic Southern favorite swaps traditional amounts of salt for a heart-healthy balance of spices and optional herbs like bay leaves or thyme, offering a guilt-free indulgence. With just 10 minutes of prep and a hands-off simmering process, this recipe is both easy to make and full of wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients. Whether served warm at a backyard gathering or enjoyed straight from the fridge as a make-ahead snack, these boiled peanuts are a flavorful crowd-pleaser. Ideal for fans of healthy Southern recipes, plant-based snacks, and low-fat appetizers, this dish is a must-try addition to your repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:310 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds raw unshelled peanuts
• 16 cups water
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon optional spices or herbs (e.g., bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika)

Directions

Step 1

1. Rinse the raw unshelled peanuts thoroughly under cold water to remove dirt and debris.

Step 2

2. In a large stockpot, combine the peanuts, water, and sea salt. Stir to dissolve the salt.

Step 3

3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and any optional herbs or spices you're using. Stir well to combine.

Step 4

4. Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer the peanuts for 5 hours. Stir occasionally, checking to ensure the peanuts are still submerged. Add more water as needed to keep them covered.

Step 6

6. After 5 hours, taste-test a peanut to check for tenderness and seasoning. If the peanuts are not yet soft, continue cooking for up to an additional hour, checking every 15 minutes.

Step 7

7. When the peanuts are tender and infused with flavor, remove the pot from the heat, and let them cool in the cooking liquid for 30 minutes to enhance the taste.

Step 8

8. Drain the peanuts and serve them warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container with some of the cooking liquid to keep them moist, and refrigerate for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4786.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5173.3

Total Fat 447.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 14234.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 152.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 79.0g	0%
Total Sugars 43.3g
Protein 235.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1088.4mg	0%
Iron 42.4mg	0%
Potassium 6523.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.2%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 10.9%