Boiled Peanuts

Ingredients:

• Raw peanuts in shells
• Salt
• Water
  

Directions:

1. Wash raw peanuts thoroughly in cool water; then soak in clean cool water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Put peanuts in a saucepan and cover completely with water. Because the shells of some peanuts absorb more salty than others, it's best to begin with 1 tablespoon of salt for each 2 cups of peanuts; you can add more salt to taste later.
3. The cooking period for boiled peanuts varies according to the maturity of the peanuts used and the variety of peanut. The cooking time for a "freshly pulled" green peanut is shorter than for a peanut which has been stored for a time.
4. When fully cooked, the texture of the peanut should be similar to that of a cooked dry pea or bean.
5. Boil the peanuts for about 35 minutes, then taste. If they are not salted enough, add more salt.
6. Taste again in 10 minutes, both for salt content and to see if the peanuts are fully cooked.
7. If not ready, continue tasting every 5 minutes until they have a satisfactory texture.
8. Drain peanuts after cooking or they will continue to absorb salt and become over salted.