Introduction
Pumpkin seeds are a tasty snack that can be enjoyed year-round. The green, crunchy seeds are packed with nutrition, containing high levels of protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese and more. Eating pumpkin seeds can have a range of health benefits, such as improving heart health, promoting prostate health, aiding in digestion, and reducing inflammation.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are the classic way to enjoy this seasonal treat. The process is simple – all you need is some pumpkin seeds, oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. Here’s how to make them:
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by separating the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin’s flesh. Rinse the seeds in a colander and pat them dry with paper towels. Then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roasting the Pumpkin Seeds
Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the pumpkin seeds with oil and sprinkle them with salt. Toss the seeds to evenly coat them and spread them out so they’re in a single layer. Bake the seeds for 15–20 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the roasted pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Flavoring the Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Once the pumpkin seeds have cooled, you can add your favorite seasonings. For a savory flavor, try garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or cumin. For a sweet flavor, try cinnamon, cocoa powder, or brown sugar. Simply toss the pumpkin seeds with the desired seasoning and enjoy!
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
If you’re looking for an extra flavorful snack, try making spiced pumpkin seeds. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and will give you a delicious and fragrant treat.
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by rinsing and drying the pumpkin seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flavoring the Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them. Spread the pumpkin seeds back onto the baking sheet and let them sit for 10 minutes.
Baking the Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the spiced pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Baked Pumpkin Seeds
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to roasting, try baking the pumpkin seeds. This method doesn’t require any oil, so it’s lower in fat and calories. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by rinsing and drying the pumpkin seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flavoring the Baked Pumpkin Seeds
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them. Spread the pumpkin seeds back onto the baking sheet.
Baking the Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the baked pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Salted and Sweetened Pumpkin Seeds
For a sweet and salty treat, try making salted and sweetened pumpkin seeds. This recipe combines the classic flavors of honey and sea salt to create a delicious snack. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by rinsing and drying the pumpkin seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flavoring the Salted and Sweetened Pumpkin Seeds
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, honey, sea salt, and cinnamon. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them. Spread the pumpkin seeds back onto the baking sheet.
Baking the Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the salted and sweetened pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds
For a sweet and crunchy snack, try making caramelized pumpkin seeds. This recipe combines sugar, butter, and spices to create a delicious treat. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by rinsing and drying the pumpkin seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flavoring the Caramelized Pumpkin Seeds
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them. Spread the pumpkin seeds back onto the baking sheet.
Baking the Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the caramelized pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Candied Pumpkin Seeds
For a truly indulgent treat, try making candied pumpkin seeds. This recipe combines sugar, butter, and spices to create a delicious snack. Here’s how to do it:
Preparing the Pumpkin Seeds
Start by rinsing and drying the pumpkin seeds, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flavoring the Candied Pumpkin Seeds
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss to coat them. Spread the pumpkin seeds back onto the baking sheet.
Baking the Flavored Pumpkin Seeds
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pumpkin seeds for 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they’re golden brown. Let the candied pumpkin seeds cool before serving.
Conclusion
Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed year-round. With these recipes, you can easily prepare pumpkin seeds in eight different ways – from roasting to spicing, baking, salting and sweetening, caramelizing and candying. Enjoy the delicious treats and the health benefits too.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, minerals, fatty acids, and other nutrients, making them a great addition to any diet. Eating pumpkin seeds can have a range of health benefits, such as improving heart health, promoting prostate health, aiding in digestion, and reducing inflammation.
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