Instead of throwing in the pumpkin seeds after making one, why not toast them for a delicious snack? Rinse them in cold water before drying them and baking them in the oven until they turn a nice golden color. You can add the seasonings of your choice to give them a spicy, sweet flavor or simply to enhance the taste.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: removing the seeds from the pumpkin
Step 1. Cut out the top of the pumpkin
If you haven't done so yet, use a sharp knife to cut a circle all around the stem of the pumpkin. Make sure the opening is wide enough to pass your hand through it easily. Remove the stem when you have finished cutting the round.
Step 2. Use a tablespoon to collect the seeds
The larger the spoon, the more seeds you can remove at the same time. Scrape the inner walls of the pumpkin to loosen the seeds and pulp, and take your time to collect as many seeds as possible.
You can also use your hands or another utensil
Step 3. Place the seeds and pulp in a large bowl
As you take out the seeds, put them with the pulp in a bowl large enough to hold them. Remove large chunks of pulp when you see them, but don't worry too much about them just yet.
If you are removing the seeds from a small pumpkin, you may not need a large bowl
Part 2 of 4: washing and drying the seeds
Step 1. Pour the seeds into a colander and rinse them with cold water
This will loosen the pulp and fibers from the seeds and make cleaning easier. Hold the colander full of seeds under running tap water and use your hands to gently turn the seeds.
Step 2. Take out the seeds and lay them on a towel
Once the seeds are almost clean, take them out of the colander and place them on a clean cloth. If you still see fibers stuck to the seeds, remove as much as possible.
You can also put the seeds on paper towels, but they may stick to it
Step 3. Wipe off the seeds with the rag
Spread the seeds out on the towel and pat it gently with the towel to dry them as much as possible. Place them in a bowl when they are dry.
- Instead of patting them with the towel, you could shake them in the colander to drain the excess water.
- If they're still wet when you put them in the oven, they won't grill well because of the water.
Part 3 of 4: add the seasonings
Step 1. Dip the seeds in oil or butter
Once clean and dry in a bowl, you can pour cooking oil or melted butter to lightly cover the seeds. Use a tablespoon to stir the seeds in the oil or butter so that they are all covered.
- Use rapeseed, olive, or vegetable oil.
- The amount of oil or butter you use depends on how much seeds you have to grill, but it would be best if you start with a small amount, you can always add more later.
Step 2. Add your favorite seasoning
For example, you could add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, whatever you like. Add the desired amount to the bowl filled with pumpkin seeds.
- Try different types of seasoning and start with small amounts before adding more.
- For a simple, yet delicious flavor, add salt and pepper.
- Consider other seasonings like chili powder, Cajun sauce, or crab seasoning for a stronger flavor.
- Add sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet taste.
Step 3. Stir the seeds well with a spoon
Stir gently, making sure all the seeds are coated with the oil, butter and seasoning of your choice. If you notice that there are a lot of seeds without seasoning, you could add a little more to the bowl.
Part 4 of 4: baking the seeds
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 180 ° C and prepare a baking sheet
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the seeds from sticking to the baking sheet, but you can also use aluminum foil. Once the oven is hot, you are ready to toast your seeds.
Step 2. Spread them all over the baking sheet
Pour the seasoned seeds onto the baking sheet, using a spoon to spread them out. Make sure they are not stuck together and that they are flat to grill them all together.
If the seeds are on top of each other, try toasting smaller batches so that they grill properly
Step 3. Grill for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally
Take the baking sheet out of the oven every ten minutes and stir the seeds with a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil, this will make sure they grill well. Once they're lightly browned, they're ready!
Step 4. Eat them hot or let them cool
Once you've taken them out of the oven and turned off the oven, use a spatula to pour them into a bowl or other dish. You can enjoy them while they're still hot, or you can let them sit for a few minutes to cool.
Step 5. Store them in an airtight container for a week
If you want to store your roasted seeds, put them in an airtight container such as a glass jar, plastic bag, or plastic container. The seeds will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature or you can put them in the freezer to keep them for a month.
- If you put them in the freezer, try storing them in an airtight container as well.
- Write the date on the container to remember the date you broiled them.
