Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

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Making Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds is one of the many Fall traditions I look forward to every year. Although you can roast pumpkin seeds with plain salt, it’s always fun to spice things up every now and then.

I want to suggest some other seasoning options too, just in case you’re not in the mood for a little spice. For example, how does Salted Caramel Pumpkin Seeds sound to you?

I have a few other ideas up my sleeve, but first, let me show you how to make spicy pumpkin seeds.

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.

Remove seeds from pumpkin and add to a bowl of water. Separating the seeds from the pulp. It’s ok if all the pulp does not comes off.

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Drain all the water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

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Mix oil, lime juice, and spices. Toss with the seeds. Spread evenly on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

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Bake until toasted, approximately 20 minutes. Stir halfway through.

Remove from oven, cool slightly before serving.

Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds

Although the main topic of this post is Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, I want to suggest some other fun pumpkin seasoning options. All you need is some imagination and plenty of spices! Let’s check out a few examples…

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Seeds

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil) and mix with 1 T. brown sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. cardamom, and 1/4 tsp. Himalayan salt.
• Toss with one cup pumpkin seeds.
• Spread on a prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F.
• Add 1/4 cup almonds and toss to combine.
• Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

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Zaatar Seasoned Pumpkin Seeds

Za’atar is a spice blend used in the Middle East to flavor grilled meats, dips, and Pita bread. You can purchase za’atar at any Middle Eastern market or make your own blend using my za’atar recipe.

• Mix 1-1/2 tsp. olive oil, 1 T. za’atar mix, and 1/4 tsp. salt.
• Toss the seasoning with one cup pumpkin seeds.
• Spread on prepared pan and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
• Toss halfway through to cook evenly.

Chamoy-Flavored Pumpkin Seeds

• Mix 1-1/2 tsp. oil with 1 tsp. Chamoy Flavor Sauce.
• Next, add 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1/4 tsp. cumin, and 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper.
• Mix seasoning with pumpkin seeds until coated.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.
• Toss halfway through to cook evenly.

FAQ’s

How Do You Clean and Roast Pumpkin Seeds?

• If you will be carving the pumpkin to make a jack-o-lantern, begin by slicing the top off of the pumpkin as you normally would. Otherwise, slice the pumpkin in half to access the pumpkin seeds easier. By the way, a long serrated knife, or a large carving knife (from a carving kit) are the best options for the job.
• Using a large spoon, ice cream scoop, or carving spoon (from a carving kit) to scrape the inside of the pumpkin. Remove the seeds and stringy fibers & guts. Another great tool for the job is the lid from a mason jar.
• Place the seeds and any fibers that are still attached inside of a large bowl. Cover the seeds with warm water.
• Remove the seeds that float to the surface. Next, separate the seeds from the attached stringy fibers.
• Dry seeds on a kitchen towel before proceeding with the recipe, unless you’re infusing the seeds with salt first.

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How Do You Infuse Pumpkin Seeds with Salt for Roasting?

(Optional Step)

• Add 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a medium-sized pot. Stir to dissolve.
• Add 2 cups of seeds to the pot, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Drain and pat dry on a kitchen towel.
• Proceed with recipe directions, but skip any additional salt in the recipe.

Do You Need to Wash Pumpkin Seeds Before Roasting Them?

There is no one correct way to roast pumpkin seeds. A lot of it depends on your own preference. How much time and effort you want to put into the process? One way is to clean the stringy fibers off the seeds, mix the seeds with oil, seasoning, and bake. Pretty straight forward, right?

As mentioned above, another option is to infuse the salt into the seeds by simmering them in salty water prior to baking them. Some swear by this method, but personally, I skip this part.

Still, another option is to leave some of the fibers on the pumpkin seeds, add oil and seasoning, and bake. I’ve roasted pumpkin seeds using this method in the past and they tasted great!

Are Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds A Healthy Snack Option?

Like most seeds, pumpkin seeds are an excellent snack option. These Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are no exception. Pumpkin seeds are quite nutritious and a great source of Calcium and Magnesium. Both Calcium and Magnesium help build strong bones.

According to a MedicalNewsToday article regarding pumpkin seeds, they may also protect against Type 2 diabetes. This is due to the antioxidants found in pumpkin seeds.

The article also points out that pumpkin seeds aid heart and liver function due to their omega-3, omega-6, fatty acids, and fiber content. The fiber also aids in lowering cholesterol levels and promotes weight loss. Wait, a snack that helps with weight loss? Give me some of that!

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This post was originally posted on 10/25/19 and was updated on 11/10/19 by making some changes to the formatting of the post.

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