Best Vegetarian Recipes with Pecans

Pecan nuts are crunchy, flavorful, and can contribute to a well-balanced diet. If you are a vegetarian, eating more nuts can be an excellent way of incorporating more protein, natural carbohydrates, and fats into your meals. Before we dive into delightful vegetarian recipes with pecans, let’s take a look at the interesting nutritional benefits pecans have to offer. 

Health Benefits 

Pecans are packed with nutrients. Just a handful, roughly twenty pecan halves can provide about 196 calories. It’s the perfect snack to keep you energized between meals. It contains over nineteen vitamins and minerals, including natural fats and dietary fiber. Studies have shown managing cholesterol levels is easier when you introduce healthy fats into your daily diet. Pecan nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are natural fats that work to lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Having a balanced lipid profile can decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack or stroke. 

Experts recommended you consume around twenty-five to thirty grams of daily fiber for healthy digestion. Pecans nuts are high in fiber, providing 3 grams of insoluble fiber in just one serving. Including enough fiber in one’s diet can significantly improve metabolism and help you maintain digestive regularity. Integrating pecan nuts into your daily meal plans is more exciting when you begin to understand all of the health benefits. 

Homemade Snack-Mix Recipes

These snack-mix recipes are perfect for kids, adults, and people who are always on-the-go. 

Savory Pecan Chex-Mix

Ingredients: 

2 cups of toasted pecan halves

4 cups of Honey Nut Chex

1 cup of dried mango, chopped (or dried cherries or fruit of your choice)

1 cup of granola

½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

¼ cup of brown sugar

¼ cup of maple syrup

½ cup of butter

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius and grease a baking pan. 
2. Using a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring at the one minute mark. 
3. In a large bowl, mix the honey nut Chex, dried mango, toasted pecans, and granola. Pour the butter mixture over and toss it. Make sure everything is well coated. 
4. Evenly spread the mix onto the greased baking pan and bake for 7-10 minutes, stirring at the 4-5 minute mark. 
5. Let it cool down to room temperature before pouring it into a large bowl and mixing in the chocolate chips. 

Sweet Pecan Trail-Mix

Ingredients: 

2 cups of toasted pecan halves

3 cups of equal parts Wheat, Rice, and Corn Chex

2 cups of pretzels 

¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup of peanut butter chips

½ cup of powdered sugar (optional)

½ cup of granulated sugar

½ cup of butter

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking pan. 
2. Mix the pecans, pretzels, and Chex in a large bowl and spread it evenly on the baking pan.  
3. Use a microwavable bowl to melt the butter and sugar, thoroughly stirring it. 
4. Drizzle the butter mixture over the baking pan. Gently mix to make sure everything is coated. Bake it for 7-10 minutes. 
5. Let it cool down to room temperature. Put it in a large bowl and add the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Sprinkle the powdered sugar over it and toss it until everything is mixed and coated. 

Cajun Style Pecans

Ingredients: 

2 cups of toasted pecan halves

3 cups of equal parts Corn, Rice, and Wheat Chex

1 cup of pretzel sticks

1 teaspoon of your favorite cajun spice

½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon of salt

1 cup of butter 

1 tablespoon of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking pan. 
2. In a large bowl mix the pecans, Chex, and pretzel sticks. 
3. In a microwavable bowl, combine the butter, soy sauce, and salt. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. After, mix in the sesame oil, cayenne pepper, and cajun spice. 
4. Pour the butter mixture over the pecan mix and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mix in the baking pan and bake for 7-10 minutes. Let it cool down before serving. 

Vegetarian Breakfast Recipe

Start your day off right with this morning favorite. This recipe can yield 8 to 10 pancakes. 

Buttered Pecan Pancakes

Ingredients: 

1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of granulated/white sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

½ cup of melted butter

1 cup of soy milk (or your choice of milk)

1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

¾ cup of chopped toasted pecans

Directions: 

1. Grease your pan with butter (or you can use vegetable or coconut oil spray). Set it over low-medium heat. 
2. Combine the soy milk and vinegar in a bowl and let it sit.
3. Mix the flour, salt, baking soda and powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt into a separate bowl. 
4. Slowly add the liquid mixture and gently stir until well combined. (Make sure the pancake mix is not too thin or too thick). 
5. Add the chopped pecans and fold them into the batter. 
6. Use a measuring cup to pour the pancake pix on the pan. Cook each side of the pancake for 1-2 minutes, paying close attention to the bubbles forming before you flip it. Pancake sizes vary based on the ladle size you use. (A ¼ cup for small pancakes, ⅓ cup for medium-size pancakes, and ½ cup for large pancakes). 
7. Some popular topping suggestions for serving these delicious pancakes include maple syrup or peanut butter spread. Fans of this recipe also love spreading some butter and jam over it. Enjoy!  

Save Some for Later! 

All these recipes can be prepared early and saved for later. For the snack-mixes, simply store them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks or in the freezer for up to three months. 

The vegetarian buttered pecan pancakes can be stored in an airtight container and last in the refrigerator for one week. You can also store them in the freezer for up to one month. 

If you plan on adding more pecan nuts into your meal plans, be sure to stock up on bulk pecans. When storing them, use an airtight container or zip lock bags. Properly stored pecans can last in the coolest part of your refrigerator for up to six months or in your freezer for up to one year.