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spicy pecan recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This unique spicy pecan recipe delivers an irresistible blend of sweet, heat, and crunch, transforming plain nuts into a flavorful sensation. It’s a trusted family recipe perfect for busy families, snack enthusiasts, and elevating everyday munchies.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 pound) whole pecan halves
- 1 large egg white
- 60 g (0.25 cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 10 mL (2 teaspoons) smoked paprika
- 10 mL (2 teaspoons) ground sumac
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) cayenne pepper
- 1.25 mL (0.25 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 1.25 mL (0.25 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) alcohol-free orange blossom water
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) nigella seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 150 C (300 F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Whisk Egg White and Coat Pecans: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg white with a fork until frothy, about 30 seconds, looking like soft foam. Add the 450g (1 pound) pecan halves and toss gently to coat them evenly, ensuring each nut glistens.
- Combine Dry Spices: In a separate small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, smoked paprika, 1.5 teaspoons of ground sumac, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Whisk for about 15 seconds to ensure no clumps remain and the mixture looks uniform.
- Season Pecans Evenly: Add the dry spice mixture and the 2.5 mL (0.5 teaspoon) alcohol-free orange blossom water to the coated pecans. Toss thoroughly until all pecans are evenly covered with the spice mixture. The scent of orange blossom will begin to emerge.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the spiced pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them crisp evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 150 C (300 F), stirring the pecans every 10 minutes to prevent burning and promote even toasting. The pecans should be fragrant, deeply colored, and feel dry and crisp to the touch when done. (If your pecans look too wet after baking, they might need a few more minutes to dry out and crisp up.)
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pecans to cool completely on the parchment paper. They will crisp up further as they cool, transforming into a firmer texture. (For a quicker method, you can skip the oven step and continue cooking them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar caramelizes and coats the nuts, about 10-12 minutes, then cool.)
- Finish with Flair: Once cooled, transfer the spicy pecans to a serving bowl. Lightly dust the top surface with the reserved 0.5 teaspoon of finely ground sumac for a vibrant pop of red and tartness. Scatter the nigella seeds evenly over the dusted pecans, creating a delicate speckled pattern for visual interest. This elevates your family-friendly spicy pecan recipe!
Notes
Choose plump, firm organic pecans for the best flavor. For a natural sweetener swap, a touch of pure maple syrup can work. Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired heat level. Fresh spices like cayenne make a big difference in the final taste. If cayenne is unavailable, a pinch of chili powder can be substituted. Sumac makes a big difference in tartness. Store cooled pecans in an airtight container for lasting freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 cup (approx 30 g)
- Calories: 230 calories
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: spicy pecans, snack recipe, easy snack, family recipe, sweet and spicy, pecan halves, sumac, orange blossom water, healthy snack
