Description
Dill Pickle Boiled Peanuts are a savory Southern snack made by simmering fresh green peanuts in a flavorful pickle brine infused with garlic, dill, and optional spices. This recipe offers a tangy twist on traditional boiled peanuts, perfect for serving warm or chilled as a unique appetizer or snack.
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)
Optional Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons pickling spices
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or liquid smoke
- Additional fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary) to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Peanuts: Rinse the raw green peanuts thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using frozen peanuts, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Make Brine Mixture: In a large pot, combine the pickle brine and water. Add smashed garlic cloves, dill weed or fresh dill, salt, and any optional pickling spices you choose to include. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Peanuts: Add the peanuts to the simmering brine mixture. Lower the heat to low and let them cook gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the peanuts remain submerged by adding more water as needed throughout cooking.
- Check Flavor and Texture: Taste a few peanuts to assess their tenderness and seasoning. If you desire softer peanuts or more flavor, adjust the salt or spices accordingly and continue cooking to your preferred texture.
- Cool in Brine and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and allow the peanuts to cool in the brine to fully absorb the flavors. Serve the peanuts warm or chilled, optionally garnishing with fresh dill or cracked black pepper to enhance presentation and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed raw green peanuts for best results.
- Adjust salt and spices based on your taste preferences throughout cooking.
- Keeping the peanuts submerged in liquid ensures even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Cooling peanuts in brine intensifies the pickle flavor and helps them stay moist.
- Optional ingredients like honey, smoked paprika, or additional herbs can add extra depth to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
