If you grow pumpkins or squash like spaghetti squash, you should definitely make these toasted spicy pumpkin seeds with them! These are addictive. You'll never want to throw away or compost pumpkin seeds (or any squash seeds) ever again after you try this recipe. This is a great one to make if you're carving pumpkins and you clean out the "guts", save the seeds in a bowl. You can soak them in water immediately to help loosen and remove the pulp, then rinse them and let them dry. Then they're ready to make spicy pumpkin seeds:
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin Seeds (from a whole pumpkin, 1/2-1 cup)
- 1 Teaspoon of Salt
- 2-3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, to coat
- 1/2 Teaspoon Chile Powder (use any variety, homemade chile powder is awesome of course! Try dried Ancho Chile for delicious flavor, or add dried super hot peppers like Carolina Reaper pepper powder for some real spice! Use more or less to taste.)
- 1/4-1/2 Teaspoon of Cumin Powder (optional)
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Garlic Powder (optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
- First, rinse the seeds well to remove any pulp or strings.
- Soak seeds in brine (salty water) for 1+ hours or overnight (~ teaspoon of salt in a couple cups of water)
- Dry them on a tea towel or in a pan
- Preheat oven to 375˚F
- Toss with olive oil
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake until toasted and slightly browned, about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, they can burn quickly, you want to take them out when just starting to turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven, add to a large mixing bowl, and toss with spices (chile powder, cumin, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.) Enjoy! You can store them in a glass dish with cover for up to a week in the cabinet, but they won't likely last long.
Why soak pumpkin seeds before roasting?
While you don't have to soak the seeds, it helps for many reasons. Soaked seeds reduce roasting time, and cook more evenly. Additionally, soaking helps remove phytic acid from the pumpkin seeds – this acid can hinder the absorption of some minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium. Soaking pumpkin (or any squash seeds) in brine helps break down phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors so they're easier to digest!
Spicy Pumpkin Seed Recipe Variations:
You can also make really basic pumpkin seeds with jus salt and pepper, no spices needed. These are also deliciously addictive!
Try using other spices, such as Old Bay, or Curry powders, powdered onion, or lime seasonings. Get creative with your roasted pumpkin seeds!
