Description
Dill Pickle Boiled Peanuts are a flavorful Southern snack combining tender boiled green peanuts with the tangy, aromatic zest of dill pickle brine and spices. This recipe infuses the peanuts with garlic, dill, and optional smoky or spicy notes for a unique twist. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these boiled peanuts deliver a delightful blend of salty, savory, and tangy flavors with a soft, buttery texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw green peanuts (fresh or thawed)
- 3 cups pickle brine
- 3 cups water
- 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 (mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves, etc.)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce (for a spicy twist)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for a sweet & tangy variation)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or few drops liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)
- Additional fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary) to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanuts: Rinse the raw green peanuts thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. If the peanuts are frozen, thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even softening during boiling.
- Mix the Brine: In a large pot, combine the pickle brine and water in equal parts to fully submerge the peanuts. Add the smashed garlic cloves, dill weed or fresh dill, salt, and your choice of pickling spices. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Boil the Peanuts: Add the rinsed peanuts to the simmering brine mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the peanuts cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally and ensure the peanuts remain submerged by adding water if needed during cooking.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample a few peanuts to check their flavor and texture. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or spices if necessary. Continue cooking if you prefer the peanuts softer.
- Cool and Serve: Once cooked to your liking, remove the pot from heat and allow the peanuts to cool in the brine, which helps deepen the flavor absorption. Serve the boiled peanuts warm or chilled, optionally garnished with fresh dill or cracked black pepper for extra aroma and taste.
Notes
- Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference.
- For a spicy variation, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Adding honey or brown sugar provides a pleasant sweet and tangy balance.
- Smoked paprika or liquid smoke gives a subtle smoky depth to the peanuts.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary can be included for added herbal notes.
- Keep peanuts submerged in liquid during cooking to ensure even softening.
- Boiled peanuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
