Description
Homemade roasted pumpkin seeds offer a delightful snack perfect for autumn gatherings. Crisp seasonings and simple preparation make this recipe a quick and satisfying treat for hungry snackers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) raw pumpkin seeds (cleaned and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil (or melted butter)
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml / 0.08 fl oz) smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml / 0.04 fl oz) black pepper
Instructions
- Seed Extraction: Carefully separate pumpkin seeds from pulp using fingers or a spoon, ensuring minimal waste.
- Cleansing Process: Rinse seeds thoroughly under cool water, eliminating all pumpkin remnants and debris, then meticulously dry with kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- Seasoning Preparation: In a mixing bowl, coat seeds with olive oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, ensuring each seed is evenly dressed with the aromatic blend.
- Roasting Setup: Spread seasoned seeds in a single, uncrowded layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then position in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Transformation Stage: Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring midway to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and prevent burning, until seeds release a rich, nutty fragrance.
- Cooling and Crisping: Remove from oven and let seeds rest on the baking sheet, allowing them to cool completely and develop a satisfying, crisp texture.
Notes
- Seed Selection Matters: Choose fresh, plump pumpkin seeds with intact shells for the best texture and flavor.
- Thorough Drying Technique: Pat seeds completely dry to achieve maximum crispiness; moisture prevents perfect roasting and can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Strategic Seasoning Approach: Use minimal oil to prevent soggy seeds; ensure even coating by tossing seeds gently and thoroughly with seasonings before roasting.
- Prevent Burning Tactics: Spread seeds in a single layer without overcrowding, and stir midway through roasting to guarantee uniform golden-brown color and prevent scorching.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg