This is my grandmother’s recipe. She has 10 acres of Pecan Trees, but when I was growing up they had over 50 acres…. consequently, I have quite a few pecan recipes. HA! However, the roasted pecans recipe has been passed down for generations. My great-grandmother could make them over the fire and my mother makes hers in the microwave! The ingredients have remained constant, the love has remained constant, the rich flavor of the pecans has remained constant! The only change is the cooking tool. 🙂
This recipe is one of the top 17 recipes on 3 Boys and a Dog!
If you keep these Southern Roasted Pecans in a sealed glass jar, they will last for a very long time – I make them for birthday parties and Holidays as they are a great snack to keep the hungry quiet while the adults visit. If you swing by my Grandmaw’s, she will have some on hand and a nice glass of sweet tea for you. Southern Roasted Pecans are a tradition down here that is not going to die with me!
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Roasted pecans have a distinct flavor that is both savory and sweet. They have an earthy, nutty aroma leading to a crunchy texture that yields a slightly oily sensation and brings out the characteristically buttery flavor of the pecan nuts.
Though roasted pecans can be enjoyed as they are, they are also frequently used as an ingredient in many recipes and desserts.
In particular, their unique flavor enhances the taste of cakes, pastries, salads, and even chicken dishes for a more savory touch.
The versatility of roasted pecans means that anyone can enjoy them as part of a meal or snack, whether alone or with other foods.
Can you make roasted pecans sweet?
Roasted pecans are a delicious snack and can be eaten in various ways. In addition, they can even be transformed into something more delectable when sweetness is added to the mix.
It is certainly possible to make roasted pecans sweet – this can be done by adding natural sweeteners such as honey or pure maple syrup during the roasting process.
This result is perfectly sweetened roasted pecans with a delicious, slightly caramelized taste.
For an extra layer of sweetness and crunch, freshly grated or ground nutmeg or cinnamon may be added during this step for tantalizing flavor without increased calories or processed sugars.
Can I roast other nuts besides pecans?
While pecans are a popular nut to roast, they are not the only nuts that can be used in such recipes. In fact, roasting other hard-shelled nuts like walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts is delicious and easy to achieve.
As with roasting pecans, the moment an aromatic aroma begins to emit from the oven indicates that the nuts have been roasted to perfection.
When it comes time to roast other nuts, the same best practices still apply—avoiding oils or butter and ensuring that the oven temperature is set correctly will yield the desired result.
Finally, when adding flavorings or seasonings like salt or spices, it is important to be mindful of how much one adds as they can easily overpower the roasted nut’s natural flavor profile if overused.
What is the best way to store roasted pecans?
Roasted pecans are a favorite among many households, and the best way to maintain the freshness of such delectable treats is to store them properly. A cool, dry environment is the most crucial component to storing roasted pecans.
It is important to avoid exposure to high temperatures, humidity, and even strong odors that could compromise the pecans’ integrity.
Airtight containers work best when it comes to storing roasted pecans safely; they help minimize contact with oxygen, which could cause the nuts to go rancid more quickly. All oxygen should be excluded from the containers if stored in a refrigerator or freezer.
Taking these extra steps in storage will ensure one can indulge in delicious and flavorful roasted pecans for some time.
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My boys know how and I am working on teaching them some other “grandmaw’s favorite” recipes already!
Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Roasted Pecans is an easy appetizer recipe that will leave your house smelling yummy!
Wet pecans allow the salt to stick easily to the nuts. Plus, soaking nuts helps neutralize enzyme inhibitors, which can harm your digestion, and reduce phytates, which decrease nutrient absorption. Just submerge your nuts in water while the oven is heating up and you'll be good to go.
Your oven is also a great tool for toasting pecans. For this method, preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.Spread the nuts evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake until they begin to brown and become aromatic, making sure to toss halfway through, 7 to 10 minutes.
Now, some of you may be wondering, “What's the difference between roasting and toasting a pecan?”. The answer is simple. Roasting is when the nut is cooked fully through, and is usually done in an oven.Toasting means to brown the nut on the outside, and is usually done over a fire or on the stove.
Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.
Instead of roasting, soaking raw nuts can make them easier on your stomach. Some naturally occurring enzymes and acids in nuts are broken down during the roasting process making roasted nuts more digestible. To make raw nuts easier to eat, always chew them well and eat in moderation.
To soak nuts, seeds, legumes and grains, dissolve 1 tsp sea salt in a bowl of 2-3 cups of pure, warm water. Add your ingredients. Make sure there is enough water to cover them about 2 inches.
Spread the nuts in a single layer on your baking sheet; don't crowd or assemble them too close together.
Put the baking sheet in the oven, and bake until the nuts are fragrant and slightly browned, about 5–8 minutes, depending on the size and type of the nut.
Toasting raw pecans is generally optional, but in my cases, it's highly recommended. The nut-toasting process adds a deeper taste, golden brown color, nutty flavor and aroma, and a delicious crunch.
These antioxidants can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. So, munching on roasted salted pecans is not only tasty but also helps keep your body healthy and strong.
If a nut is only slightly stale, says Kanney, it can usually still be toasted to revive some of its previous glory and (crunch). However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.”
If you're simply adding them to a recipe (tossing them in a batch of chocolate chip cookies, perhaps?), leave them plain. Can I toast pecans after chopping? While you can, you'll need to keep a very close eye on them as they don't always cook evenly and will burn quickly.
All deliver terrific results. Oven: Spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a 350°F oven. Stovetop: Toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Microwave: Microwave on HIGH for 30-60 seconds.
With their high amount of plant-based oil, pecans also last longer at lower temperatures preventing the fats from spoiling. Properly stored, shelled pecans can last for up to six months, while unshelled — or in-shell — pecans can last for up to nine to 12 months.
Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.
Long-soak nuts (almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts) need at least 8 hours. Medium-soak nuts (pecans, walnuts, and Brazil nuts) are oilier and swell up quickly, so require less soaking time. Short-soak nuts (cashews, macadamias, and pine nuts) have the highest fat content and require only 2 to 4 hours soaking.
By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption.
It is true that nuts contain phytic acid, or phytates, which can bind with minerals, making them unavailable to the body. But while soaking nuts in salted water may reduce phytic acid levels, the amount of phytates in nuts is too small to cause a mineral deficiency in either children or adults.
To keep the pecan meat from shattering, the nuts are moistened or “conditioned” before cracking. There are two methods used to accomplish this. The cold water method soaks the pecans in chlorinated water for as long as eight hours.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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