Boiled peanuts are widely consumed and commercially available in the southeast US. The peanuts are sold in the hull and either boiled with only salt or with various flavors ranging from bacon to "Cajun." While not suited to all palates, they are quite popular. Try some and decide for yourself.

Boiled Peanuts

I live in FL, so boiled peanuts are common around here! But we eat them in India too, my aunt's neighbor had a peanut farm -- so we had boiled peanuts all the time :-) They can also be made very quickly using a pressure cooker (about 20 minutes cooking time, 10 minutes cooling time)!

I think they are most similar to edamame, so if you like those -- you'll enjoy boiled peanuts :-)

Nick, I've had boiled peanuts a time of two. They fall under the heading of strange, but delicious. In Kansas, it's hard to get raw, fresh peanuts to boil.

During my research into boiled peanuts, I discovered that they are eaten around the world. In Africa, they used to use Bambara groundnut (whatever those are) but switched to peanuts after they were introduced in the 16th century. Besides India, they are popular in a number of Asian countries as well as throughout South America.

I've never used a pressure cooker, but my late mother-in-law used to prepare lima beans in one then freeze them. They were marvelous. She was a fantastic cook, one of the many reasons I miss her.

Is there any food that you ate in India that you don't have in the US that you miss?

Hey, Connie. To be honest, they fall under the heading of strange and I'd prefer to skip them for me. I think it's more the consistency of the nut that bothers me than the taste. They are too squishy. My wife loves them.

You're from one of the few states I've never visited, not even an airport. I think of wheat when I think of Kansas, which may be wrong. Is there a regional food in Kansas that you enjoy?

Yes, lots of exotic fruits & vegetables mainly -- I'm not sure how to even describe some of them or what their English names would be :-)

Fruits such as the Alphonso mango, jackfruit, sugar apples/custard apples, rose apples, wood apples....

Vegetables like the Indian pumpkin vareities, drumsticks, red carrots, leafy green varieties...

Just yesterday, I was craving a variety of rice (Ambemohar) that has a very distinct taste & fragrance of mango blossoms when cooked :-)

I don't think I've had any and those fruit names are making my mouth water. Ambemohar rice sounds interesting. I love trying new foods when I travel (which is frequently). I'd love to visit India some time. I have freinds who live there. The closest I've come is Sri Lanka. Earlier this year, I added 2 more countries to my list, Singapore and Malaysia. Both were fascinating, but I had very little time to see them.

We used to eat boiled peanuts all the time in Hawaii. They served them at baseball games just as mainland people served roasted peanuts. I love boiled peanuts but my Texas hubby prefers them roasted.

That's interesting, Lori. I've never been to Hawaii, but I'll be hitting Kaua'i next year. I'll be there for work, but I plan to take my wife since it'll be right after our 27th anniversary. I have been to Texas, though, on many occasions.

I have to agree with your husband. I actually prefer roasted peanuts as well.

Lori: I did not know they ate boiled peanuts in Hawaii! But I do know they sure do love SPAM :-)

Nick: well when you're in Malaysia -- do try all the gorgeous exotic fruit, especially durian (since it's banned in S'pore). Also, dont forget to leave the chewing gum at home!

But you can also try star fruit, dragonfruit, rambutans, mangosteen, lychees & a lot of the fruit I mentioned above :-)