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.
I recommend toasting pecan halves and then chopping after baking. Unfortunately chopped pecans are less likely to toast evenly and are more likely to burn. However, if you only have chopped pecans on hand you can use this method but check and stir the pecans after 3 minutes.
Roasting the pecan nuts helps draw out the natural oils, creating that nice crunchy texture. If you are worried about excessive oils, don't be. Most nuts contain enough oils which prevent them from absorbing more. Pecans contain monounsaturated fats which some studies indicate can lower your cholesterol levels.
You can also refrigerate or freeze nuts, in which they will last even longer - for up to a year. Roasted nuts, on the other hand, have a shorter shelf life. If possible try to consume them within 2 weeks; however, they should be okay to eat up to a month after purchase.
Toasting pecans brings out their natural flavor and enhances their crispiness, so they are ready for all your favorite baked goods. Anytime there are pecans in a recipe, you can use toasted pecans in their place, or add chopped roasted pecans for extra crunch in your favorite cookies or breads.
The shells also act as a protective barrier, preventing the nuts from becoming overcooked and allowing them to roast evenly. Additionally, roasting pecans in the shell can help to preserve their freshness and extend their shelf life, making them a great option for long-term storage.
Yes, pecans are a delicious and nutritious food choice that offer multiple health benefits. They're high in nutrients, heart-healthy, may improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels, aid in weight loss, promote brain function, and may even help prevent cancer. However, there can always be too much of a good thing.
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.
Fresh pecans have a distinct aroma, characterized by their sweet, nutty scent. They should have a firm, almost crunchy texture and a rich golden or amber color. On the flip side, bad pecans may show signs of spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a shriveled appearance, or a soft and rubbery texture.
Well, enzyme inhibitors/phytic acids are the reason. By soaking, enzyme inhibitors are neutralized, the beneficial enzymes are activated and the vitamin content increases. Soaking makes seeds, nuts and legumes easier to digest and the nutrients more easily absorbed.
Leave them on the counter to soak for 4-8 hours. Loosely cover with a clean cloth, this allows the contents of the bowl to breathe. If you think that it will be longer than 8 hours before you can get to them, place the bowl in the fridge, making sure to change the water every so often.
I can't speak to the trustworthiness of the various sites I discovered and their claims about phytic acid and neutralized enzymes, but I can tell you this: Soaking your nuts before you roast them will greatly enhance their flavor.
In one study, soaking almonds at room temperature for 24 hours decreased phytic acid levels — but by less than 5% ( 10 ). Another study found that soaking chopped almonds in salt water for 12 hours resulted in a small — yet significant — 4% reduction in phytic acid levels (11).
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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