Southern Roasted Pecans Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak pecans before roasting? ›

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. Remove from the oven and let cool.

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.

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.

Boiling pecans before cracking them can actually help prevent the shell from shattering.

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.

It's best to toast nuts whole, then to chop them if you need smaller pieces.

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.

Toasting Pecans in the Oven

Bake until the nuts are fragrant and a deeper shade of brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

Store the roasted, seasoned pecan halves in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Should you wash pecans before you crack them? ›

Don't wash pecans. Don't run water over them or even use a damp towel to clean them. Especially in-shell pecans.

To toast pecans in the oven:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Toss pecans in oil or melted butter and salt if desired. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

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.

Is it dangerous? Eating rancid food won't make you sick, but the new molecules that form as oxidation occurs may lead to digestive issues. Rancid foods are also less nutritious because oxidation destroys the good fats and some of the vitamin content.

In a nutshell, soaking could increase the absorption of some nutrients, but the difference is super small – and pretty insignificant in the context of your whole diet. If you love the texture and like to use soft, soaked nuts for recipes or nut butters, go ahead!

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.

Soaked nuts become softer and more pliable, making them easier to chew and digest. Bansal stated that this can reduce the risk of digestive issues like bloating, gas, and discomfort that can be associated with unsoaked nuts.