One of the best fall treats is roasted pumpkin seeds. They are delicious and super easy to make.
If you are squeamish with pumpkin guts, the process to roast pumpkin seeds is not going to be easy but you can do it! I remind myself that pumpkin has a lot of nutrients. Getting your hands covered in pumpkin goo is like having a mini-spa treatment.
Ok so I may have made that up but it makes me feel better when the slimy pumpkin strings are stuck to my fingers. Unfortunately, it’s the only way to remove the seeds from the pulp.
It’s worth the sacrifice for the deliciousness that is roast pumpkin seeds.
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Where to get Pumpkin Seeds
First, there is the obvious, as you are cleaning out your Halloween pumpkin to carve, save the seeds. This is the primary place I get my seeds for roasting.
I also like to use pumpkins for my fall decorating. If after Halloween my pumpkins are not already mushy, moldy, or more likely eaten by squirrels…I will pull them inside, cut them in half and scoop out the insides.
I feel this should have been obvious but it took me many years to think about roasting the seeds from squash. I don’t know why it didn’t jump out at me right away but it’s only been within the last couple of years that I now save my squash seeds to roast.
Tips for Cleaning Seeds
You first need to remove the large chunks of pulp from the pumpkin seeds. I find it’s easiest to do this when the pumpkin seeds are still inside the pumpkin. Gently slide your hand down the pumpkin strings and squeeze the seeds off the end.
Drop the seeds into a bowl and repeat.
The next step is to add warm water to the bowl of pumpkin seeds. I don’t know the science behind this but it seems to work. The warm water loosens the pumpkin strings from the seeds and the seeds float to the top. Scope them out and remove any remaining pumpkin pulp.
Preparing the Seeds
I have prepared roasted pumpkin seeds in two different ways: soaking and not soaking them first. I prefer to soak the seeds first. Not just in water but salt water. It seems like the salt absorbs into the seeds and they are salty on the outside and the inside.
Drain the water and pat the seeds dry with a paper towel. Place on a parchment paper or baking sheet lined cookie sheet. I like to line the cookie sheet because it’s easier to pull the seeds off to cool.
Before roasting pumpkin seeds, lightly coat them with either a drizzle of olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This not only makes sure the seeds do not stick but more important, it makes sure the seasoning sticks.
Seasoning the Pumpkin Seeds
There are many options for roasting pumpkin seeds. I LOVE using just salt or maybe salt and pepper. This makes for a nice salty snack and is the traditional flavor used most often. That does not mean it’s the only option.
Another fantastic option is to go for a sweet treat and use cinnamon and sugar. Yes, cinnamon and sugar is a tasty option. I like to add a little salt as well. The salt balances out the flavors and is delicious. I lightly coat the pumpkin seeds with a cinnamon and sugar mixture (Penzeys is my favorite but you can mix your own). Sprinkle with salt after the cinnamon and sugar coat the outside. Then add more cinnamon and sugar after the roasted pumpkin seeds are removed from the oven.
You can also use any type of flavor you like, Mexican, Italian, or Thai… experiment with other flavors to see what you like best.
Roast Pumpkin Seeds LOW and SLOW
The biggest mistake people make is trying to roast the pumpkin seeds in an oven that is too hot. The goal is to dehydrate the pumpkin seeds, not cook them. A low temperature is your friend. Yes, it will take longer but the seeds will be better and the seasoning is less likely to burn.
I won’t go any higher than 300° F. It will take 45-50 minutes but you will like the results better.
How to Use Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Other than the obvious, eat them… there are other things you can do with roasted pumpkin seeds. Use them instead of crackers or croutons in soup. Or use it for crunch on a salad!!
No matter how you want to use your roasted pumpkin seeds, you should try roasting your own. It’s very easy, you can control the flavors and if you already have the pumpkin seeds…why waste them!! Roast them!!
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Love fall like me? Check out some of these fun fall activities!!
- Twin Cities Oktoberfest
- Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
- Stillwater Harvest Festival
- Anoka Halloween House Decorating Contest Viewing
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