Are you carving pumpkins this fall and wondering what to do with all those seeds? Don’t throw them away! Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic and healthy snack that are incredibly easy to make at home. This guide will show you How To Cook Pumpkin Seeds to crispy perfection, ensuring you get the most flavor and crunch out of every bite.
Alt text: Video showcasing the process of making roasted pumpkin seeds, from cleaning to seasoning and baking.
If you’re anything like me, the thought of roasting pumpkin seeds might seem a bit daunting at first. But trust me, it’s simpler than you think! This is my go-to method for how to cook pumpkin seeds, and it delivers amazing results every time.
And if you’re in the mood for more pumpkin goodness, why not try making your own homemade pumpkin puree to use in classic fall recipes like pumpkin pie, maple pumpkin butter, or a comforting pumpkin spice latte? But first, let’s focus on those delicious seeds!
Bowl of Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Getting Started: Cleaning Your Pumpkin Seeds
The first step in learning how to cook pumpkin seeds is cleaning them. After scooping out the seeds from your pumpkin, you’ll notice they’re covered in stringy pulp. Don’t worry, cleaning them is easier than it looks.
Initial Cleaning in Cold Water: Place your pumpkin seeds in a bowl of cold water. Swish them around gently with your hands. The seeds will naturally separate from most of the stringy bits and float to the top, making it easy to remove them.
The Simmering Secret for Extra Cleanliness and Flavor: For an extra step that truly elevates your roasted pumpkin seeds, simmer them in salted water. Transfer the mostly cleaned seeds to a pot of boiling water that has been generously salted. Simmer for about 5 minutes. This step not only further cleans the seeds but also seasons them from the inside out – much like salting pasta water!
Alt text: Pumpkin seeds simmering in a pot of boiling salted water, a crucial step for cleaning and enhancing flavor before roasting.
After simmering, drain the seeds and rinse them under cold water. At this stage, any remaining pumpkin pulp should be easily removed. Now comes the most important part for achieving perfectly crispy roasted pumpkin seeds: drying them thoroughly.
Achieving Crispiness: Drying Your Pumpkin Seeds
Drying your pumpkin seeds is absolutely essential for achieving that satisfying crunch when roasted. The drier the seeds are, the crispier they will become in the oven.
Spread the seeds out on clean dishcloths or paper towels and pat them as dry as possible. You can even leave them to air dry for a bit to remove excess moisture.
Seasoning and Roasting Pumpkin Seeds to Perfection
Once your pumpkin seeds are thoroughly dry, it’s time to add flavor and roast them.
Choosing Your Oil and Spices: Toss the dry seeds with your choice of oil. Olive oil, melted coconut oil, or even nut oils like walnut oil work wonderfully and add subtle flavor nuances. For spices, get creative! The original recipe suggests harissa, curry powder, pumpkin pie spice, or chili powder. Consider also trying garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or a simple salt and pepper for a more classic taste. A sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon can even turn them into a sweet treat!
Roasting in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures even roasting and crisping. Roast them in the preheated oven, stirring at least once during cooking, until they are crisp and lightly browned around the edges. This usually takes between 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your seeds and your oven. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Alt text: Raw pumpkin seeds tossed with oil and spices on a baking sheet, ready to be roasted in the oven.
Beyond Halloween: Roasting Seeds from Other Winter Squash
Remember, learning how to cook pumpkin seeds isn’t just for Halloween! You can use this same method for seeds from other winter squashes throughout the fall and winter months. Try it with seeds from butternut squash, spaghetti squash, or delicata squash. The cooking time might slightly vary, especially for smaller seeds, so adjust accordingly and watch them closely while roasting.
Alt text: A handful of crispy roasted pumpkin seeds, showcasing their golden color and inviting texture as a healthy and tasty snack.
Enjoy Your Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Once your roasted pumpkin seeds are cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container for a snack that will last for days (though they are so delicious, they probably won’t last that long!).
Learning how to cook pumpkin seeds is a simple way to reduce waste and create a healthy, flavorful snack. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations and enjoy this fall treat all season long.
