Caramel-coated pecans

Have you heard of caramelised pecans from Dubai? These delicious treats are a must for all lovers of oriental flavours. Follow us through this article to find out more about these sweet wonders and learn how to prepare them at home.

History and origin of caramelised pecans

Pecans, originally from North America, have been cultivated for centuries and exported all over the world, particularly to the Middle East and Dubai. The Emiratis have been quick to adopt this nutrient-rich dried fruit and have come up with a number of recipes to showcase it.

The recipe for caramelised pecans stems from this culinary creativity and quickly won over locals and tourists alike with its crunchy yet melt-in-the-mouth texture, as well as its subtly spicy, caramelised flavour. They are now highly prized in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai, where they are a local tradition.

Ingredients and preparation of caramelised pecans

To make these famous caramelised pecans at home, here's the list of ingredients you'll need:

• Pecans
• Sugar
• Water
• Cinnamon and/or other spices (optional)

Step 1: preparing the nuts

First of all, you need to choose your pecans carefully. Choose ones that are whole, firm and not chipped. They can be lightly roasted in the oven to bring out their full flavour.

Step 2: making the caramel

Pour enough sugar and water into a thick-bottomed saucepan to cover the nuts. Add the spices if you wish. Leave to cook over a low heat until the mixture turns a lovely golden colour and becomes slightly thick.

Step 3: coating the nuts in the caramel

Carefully add the roasted pecans to the pan and stir well until they are all coated in the caramel. Make sure each nut is well covered.

Step 4: chilling

Once all the nuts are coated, place them on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper without sticking them together. Leave to cool completely and harden at room temperature before eating.

Variations on caramelised pecans

Dubai caramelised pecans come in a variety of flavours to suit every taste. Here are a few ideas:

Add a touch of cream: if you want to make your nuts creamier, add a spoonful of liquid cream to the caramel while it's cooking.

White chocolate coating: once the caramel has hardened, melt some white chocolate and dip each nut in it to obtain a delicious new coating.

Caramel flavoured with spices: personalise your recipe by adding spices of your choice (cardamom, star anise...) to the caramel to give it an authentic flavour.

Add a little salt to the caramel: a little salt in the caramel can create an interesting contrast between the sweetness and the saltiness, not to mention the fact that it's very trendy at the moment.

Tasting and storing caramelised pecans

Caramelised pecans are best stored in an airtight tin at room temperature, away from light and moisture. They can be enjoyed as a delicacy, served as an aperitif with friends, or accompanied by a cup of tea with the flavours of Dubai.

Last but not least, they also make an excellent gift that will surprise and delight the taste buds of even the most demanding gourmets. So don't hesitate to take this wonderful culinary journey, rich in taste sensations and oriental traditions, with caramelised pecans straight from Dubai!