I grew up roasting pumpkin seeds after carving jack-o-lanterns, just like everyone else. It’s a Halloween tradition!
Here’s the thing: getting perfectly crispy seeds isn’t just about throwing them in the oven. There’s a knack to it, you see.
First things first, gotta clean that pumpkin! Lay down some newspaper or an old tablecloth to avoid a mess. Cut a decent-sized lid around the stem, then scoop out all the insides. A spoon or scooper works, but a pumpkin scooper is the real MVP. If you’re feeling fancy, a “Pumpkin Gutter” drill attachment makes things even easier.
Now, onto the seeds themselves. The key is to clean them meticulously. Rinse them thoroughly in a colander, getting rid of any and all pumpkin gunk. Trust me, skimping on this step leads to soggy seeds, no bueno.
Here’s a tip: boiling the seeds before roasting is a game-changer. It ensures they cook all the way through, and guess what? Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse! But, there’s a catch: they contain phytic acid, which blocks your body from absorbing some good stuff. Boiling helps remove most of this acid, making those seeds extra nutritious.
Ready to eat? Most folks go for the whole seed, nice and crunchy. But hey, if you prefer, you can crack them open sunflower seed style and munch on the insides.
Alright, here’s the complete recipe for perfect pumpkin seeds, ready for whenever you whip up a jack-o-lantern! Feel free to share it with your friends and family!
PrintPerfect Pumpkin Seeds
I grew up roasting pumpkin seeds after carving jack-o-lanterns, just like everyone else. It’s a Halloween tradition!
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
- Seeds from 2 pumpkins
- 1/2 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of sal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and clean pumpkin seeds, removing pulp and rinsing well.
- Soak seeds in water for 30 minutes (or overnight). Drain.
- Boil seeds in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- Spread seeds on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
- Roast for 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool, season with extra salt (optional), and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 45
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Perfect pumkin seeds ever