Spiced Pecan Recipe – Ginger, Chili & Cardamom Flavors

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spiced Pecan Recipe – Ginger, Chili & Cardamom Flavors

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s for spiced pecans, but trust me, these aren’t your average nuts. They’re warm, fragrant, and have a little kick that makes them totally addictive. I first made these for a Diwali gifting exchange a few years ago, and they were a huge hit! They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma while they’re baking is just heavenly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These spiced pecans are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty. They’re fantastic as a snack, a topping for salads, or even as a unique addition to your festive sweet boxes. Plus, they come together in under 40 minutes – perfect when you need a quick homemade treat! They’re also wonderfully versatile; you can adjust the spices to your liking, making them truly your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 2 cups pecan halves (approximately 200g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (approximately 110g)
• 1 egg white
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (approximately 2.5g)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (approximately 2.5g)
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder (approximately 1.25g)
• 2 cardamom pods
• ½ teaspoon allspice (approximately 2.5g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (approximately 1.25g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (approximately 1.25g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A little goes a long way with spices, so don’t be afraid to adjust to your taste.

• Pecans: I prefer pecan halves for this recipe, as they get beautifully coated in the spice mixture. But pecan pieces work just fine too! You can find pecans at most grocery stores, or online.
• Cardamom: I love using fresh cardamom pods. Bruise them slightly to release their aroma before adding them to the mix. The flavour is so much more vibrant than pre-ground cardamom.
• Ginger: The warmth of ginger is key here. You can use ground ginger, or even grate a little fresh ginger for an extra zing!
• Red Chili Powder: Don’t worry, it’s not overwhelmingly spicy! It just adds a lovely subtle heat that balances the sweetness. Kashmiri chili powder is a great choice for colour and mild heat.
• Allspice & Cloves: This duo adds a beautiful depth of flavour, reminiscent of traditional Indian spice blends. They really elevate the pecans.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil – this makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a medium bowl, beat the egg white until it gets a little foamy. You don’t need stiff peaks, just a bit of airiness.
3. Add the brown sugar and all those wonderful spices to the egg white. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure to get rid of any lumps.
4. Now, toss in the pecan halves and coat them evenly with the spiced mixture. Make sure every pecan gets a little love!
5. Spread the pecans in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven for 30 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through.
6. Once they’re done, remove from the oven and gently separate the pecans with a fork while they’re cooling. This prevents them from sticking together. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! A single layer ensures even baking and maximum crispiness.
• Keep a close eye on the pecans during the last few minutes of baking. They can burn quickly.
• For extra flavour, let the pecans sit overnight after baking. The spices will meld together beautifully.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg white. It works surprisingly well!
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like things really spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavour, reduce the amount of red chili powder.
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for gifting during Diwali or Christmas! Package them in pretty jars or tins with a ribbon. My aunt always adds a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

Serving Suggestions

These spiced pecans are delicious on their own as a snack. But they’re also amazing:

• Sprinkled over yogurt or oatmeal.
• Added to a cheese board.
• Crumbled over salads for a crunchy, flavourful topping.
• As part of a festive sweet and savoury platter.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled spiced pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They might lose some of their crispness over time, but they’ll still taste delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use pecan pieces instead of halves?

Absolutely! Pecan pieces work just as well. They might not look as pretty, but the flavour will be the same.

2. What is the best way to ensure the spices are evenly distributed?

Make sure to mix the spices and brown sugar really well with the egg white before adding the pecans. Then, toss the pecans thoroughly to coat them evenly.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of this recipe?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet pecan. Or, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

4. Can these spiced pecans be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container.

5. What other nuts can I use in place of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavour will be slightly different.