Boiled Peanut Soup Food

BOILED PEANUTS

Steps:

• Wash the peanuts in cool water until the water runs clear. Soak in cool water for 30 minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.
• Drain and rinse the peanuts. Add the peanuts to a 12-quart pot along with the salt and 3 gallons of water. Stir well. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Check the texture of the peanut at this point for doneness. When done, boiled peanuts should have a similar texture to a cooked dry bean. It should hold its shape, but not crunch when bitten. Add more water throughout the cooking process, if needed. If necessary, continue cooking for 3 to 4 hours longer.
• Drain the peanuts and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• *Cook's note: The cooking time can vary greatly depending on how fresh the peanuts are. The fresher the peanut, the less time it will take to cook.

SPICY BOILED PEANUTS

Steps:

• In a medium pot, cover the peanuts with water and bring to a boil.
• Add the cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Lower to a simmer, cover and cook at least 2 hours. Peanuts are done when the shells are easy to remove and the peanuts are creamy all the way through. Serve warm.
• Cook's Note: Peanuts can be refrigerated in the boiling liquid for up to 3 days after cooking.

CREAM OF PEANUT SOUP

Steps:

• MELT butter in medium saucepan. Cook celery and onion until onion is tender, but not browned. Stir in flour and cook about one minute. Whisk in chicken broth, cooking until thickened and bubbly.
• REMOVE from heat. Puree mixture in batches, in a blender, until smooth. Return to saucepan.
• ADD the peanut butter and milk, stirring to blend thoroughly. Heat through, but do not boil. Serve hot or cold. Garnish with snipped chives and chopped peanuts, if desired.