By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 12
365 cal · 105 min
Spiced Orange Smoked Boiled Peanuts
Recipe GLPR6fa29fddc03cf1
A savory-sweet Southern classic featuring tender boiled peanuts infused with bright citrus zest, warm coriander spice, and a kiss of smoke. The peanuts are cooked until creamy and absorb the aromatic brine, creating a unique snack with complex layers of flavor. Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting treat.
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Ingredients
1.5 pounds raw peanuts
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons salt
1 orange
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
8 cups water
Directions
Rinse the raw peanuts thoroughly under cool running water and drain well. Pick through them to remove any debris or discolored nuts.
Lightly toast the coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Do not allow them to darken.
Wash the orange and cut it in half. Slice the halves into wedges, leaving the peel intact to infuse the cooking liquid.
In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
Add the rinsed peanuts, toasted coriander seeds, and orange wedges to the boiling brine. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot partially. Cook for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peanuts are very tender and creamy when bitten through. The cooking time will depend on the size and freshness of your raw peanuts.
For a smoked flavor, during the last 15 minutes of cooking, optionally place the pot partially over a cooler area or add a small container of smoking wood chips nearby (hickory or oak works well). The ambient smoke will subtly infuse the peanuts.
Once the peanuts reach your desired tenderness, remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm. The peanuts will absorb more flavor as they rest in the brine.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, reheating gently before serving if desired.
Comments
This is a well-sourced recipe for a Charlotte cook: raw peanuts are a North Carolina staple, readily available at any major chain including ALDI and Walmart at rock-bottom prices, and the ingredient list is otherwise pantry staples—sugar, salt, coriander seeds, water, and an orange. The stated 105 minutes is honest for the boiling and smoking time, though actual hands-on prep is closer to 15 minutes. At roughly $1.50 to $2.50 for the whole batch, the per-serving cost is negligible, making this an excellent value snack. The one minor friction is that coriander seeds may require a quick stop at a specialty aisle or second visit if your local Food Lion doesn't stock them reliably, though most Kroger banners and Harris Teeter should have them.
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