Description
Sweet and Spicy Pecans are a flavorful snack combining the natural richness of pecans with a tantalizing blend of sweetness and chili heat. Soaked in a sugar syrup, coated with chili powder and ground red pepper, then baked to perfection, these nuts offer a delightful crunch with a spicy kick, perfect for snacking or adding to salads and cheese boards.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Soaking Mixture
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup sugar
Coating
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground red pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the pecans.
- Prepare Sugar Soak: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with ½ cup sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the sugar syrup is ready, remove the pan from the heat.
- Soak Pecans: Add the pecan halves to the warm sugar syrup and let them soak for 15 minutes. This soaking step allows the pecans to absorb the sweetness.
- Drain and Coat Pecans: Drain the pecans well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground red pepper. Toss thoroughly until all pecans are evenly coated with the spicy and sweet seasoning.
- Bake Pecans: Spread the coated pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy as a snack or add to your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Stir midway through baking to prevent burning and promote even crispness.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and ground red pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- Store cooled pecans in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- These pecans make a great topping for salads, desserts, or cheese platters.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
