Crunchy Savory Pumpkin Seed Snack
Savor the delightful crunch of homemade roasted pumpkin seeds, a perfect and nutritious snack. By using a unique boiling method, these seeds achieve the perfect level of crunchiness that will keep you coming back for more. This simple recipe takes you from pumpkin to a flavorful snack in no time! Ideal for using the seeds from a medium pumpkin, these crispy delights can be seasoned to your liking, making them a versatile addition to salads, granola, or enjoyed by the handful as a healthy snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium pumpkin
1 (Cut open and scoop out seeds)
water
varies (2 cups water per 1/2 cup of seeds)
salt
2 teaspoons (For cooking water, adjust to taste afterwards)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
2
Carefully cut open the pumpkin with a sharp knife, creating a clean opening.
3
Using a sturdy metal spoon, scoop out all the insides of the pumpkin, focusing on extracting the seeds from the stringy pulp.
4
Rinse the seeds thoroughly under cold running water, removing any remaining bits of pumpkin flesh.
5
In a small saucepan, combine the cleaned seeds with water and salt. For this recipe, you'll need 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt for every 1/2 cup of seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce heat and let the seeds simmer for about 10 minutes. Use a timer to ensure you don’t overcook them.
7
After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and drain the seeds using a fine mesh strainer.
8
Transfer the seeds onto a paper towel and gently pat them dry; they don’t need to be completely dry.
9
In a baking sheet or cookie sheet, brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly across the bottom.
10
Spread the drained and dried seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
11
Roast the seeds in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, and remove them when they reach your desired level of browning.
12
After baking, allow the sheet to cool on a rack. Optionally, sprinkle with extra salt for additional flavor.
13
Enjoy the seeds whole or crack them open to eat the inner seed, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crunchy Savory Pumpkin Seed Snack?
It is a nutritious snack made from roasted pumpkin seeds that uses a unique boiling method to achieve a perfect level of crunchiness.
What is the primary benefit of the boiling method?
The boiling method ensures that the seeds reach the perfect level of crunchiness which keeps you coming back for more.
How do I remove the seeds from the pumpkin?
Carefully cut open the pumpkin with a sharp knife and use a sturdy metal spoon to scoop out the seeds from the stringy pulp.
How should the pumpkin seeds be cleaned?
Rinse the seeds thoroughly under cold running water to remove any remaining bits of pumpkin flesh.
Why is boiling the seeds in salt water necessary?
Boiling the seeds in salted water before roasting helps achieve a superior crunch and seasons the seeds from the inside.
What is the water ratio for boiling the seeds?
You will need 2 cups of water for every 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds.
How much salt is used in the boiling water?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt for every 1/2 cup of seeds.
How long do the seeds need to simmer?
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the seeds simmer for about 10 minutes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Where should the oven rack be placed?
The oven rack should be placed in the middle position for even roasting.
What tool should I use to drain the seeds?
Use a fine mesh strainer to drain the seeds after they have finished simmering.
Do the seeds need to be completely dry before roasting?
No, you can transfer them to a paper towel and gently pat them dry; they do not need to be bone dry.
How do I prepare the baking sheet for the seeds?
Brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly across the bottom of a baking sheet or cookie sheet.
How should the seeds be arranged on the baking sheet?
Spread the drained and dried seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
How long is the roasting time?
Roast the seeds in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the seeds are finished roasting?
Remove the seeds from the oven when they reach your desired level of browning.
What should be done after the seeds are finished baking?
Allow the baking sheet to cool on a rack before serving or storing.
Can I add more salt after roasting?
Yes, you can optionally sprinkle the seeds with extra salt for additional flavor after they have been baked.
How do I eat roasted pumpkin seeds?
You can enjoy the seeds whole or crack them open to eat the inner seed depending on your personal preference.
What are some serving suggestions for these seeds?
These seeds are a versatile addition to salads, granola, or can be enjoyed by the handful as a healthy snack.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is labeled with the tag 'vegan' and uses only plant-based ingredients.
What size pumpkin is ideal for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to use the seeds from a medium-sized pumpkin.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: medium pumpkin, water, salt, and olive oil.
What type of oil is used to grease the baking sheet?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Can the salt amount be adjusted?
Yes, the amount of salt used in the cooking water or as a topping can be adjusted to your taste.
Why is a sturdy metal spoon recommended?
A sturdy metal spoon is effective for scooping out the insides and extracting seeds from the sticky, stringy pulp.
Is the oven temperature the same in Celsius?
Yes, 400°F is approximately 200°C.
Should I use a timer for the boiling step?
Yes, using a timer is recommended to ensure you do not overcook the seeds during the 10-minute simmer.
What is the final texture of the seeds?
The seeds are described as having a delightful crunch and a savory flavor profile.
Where are the seeds located in the pumpkin?
The seeds are found inside the pumpkin, mixed in with the stringy pulp.