Boiled peanuts are a favorite convenience-store snack in the South, but they are also a popular street-food snack in China, where they are boiled with star anise and cinnamon.

Place in a large stockpot:

Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the peanuts are soft, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours (dried peanuts will take considerably longer than fresh). Alternatively, pressure-cook at high pressure for 1 hour in a stovetop cooker or 1 hour 15 minutes in an electric model, letting the pressure release naturally. Alternatively, slow-cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. When cooked, drain and serve immediately.