Description
Dill Pickle Boiled Peanuts offer a unique Southern snack that blends the creamy texture of boiled peanuts with the tangy, salty zest of dill pickle brine. This recipe is easy to prepare using simple ingredients like raw green peanuts, pickle brine, dill, and garlic, delivering a flavorful and memorable snack perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
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 (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 under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using frozen peanuts, allow them to thaw completely before cooking to ensure even softness.
- Mix the Brine: In a large pot, combine the pickle brine and water in roughly equal parts to fully cover the peanuts. Add smashed garlic cloves, dill weed or fresh dill, salt, and any optional pickling spices you prefer. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Boil the Peanuts: Add the peanuts to the simmering brine mixture. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the peanuts reach your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally and keep peanuts submerged by adding water if necessary.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample a few peanuts to check flavor and texture. Adjust salt or spices as needed, and continue cooking if a softer texture is preferred.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and allow the peanuts to cool in the brine to enhance flavor absorption. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with fresh dill or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh green peanuts for authentic texture and flavor; dry roasted peanuts will not soften properly.
- Start with equal parts pickle brine and water and adjust the ratio to control tanginess.
- Simmer peanuts gently and slowly to meld flavors without breaking peanuts down too much.
- Keep peanuts fully submerged during cooking for even softness.
- Letting peanuts soak overnight in the brine before eating intensifies the dill pickle flavor.
- Leftovers store well in brine in the refrigerator up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat gently with some brine or water to retain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg