My absolute favorite thing about carving pumpkins in the fall is making homemade pumpkin seeds. I buy pumpkins – not to carve jack-o-lanterns – but to carve out these seeds! Sure, you can buy pumpkin seeds in the store, but they’re totally not the same. These are much less salty, and have a much better, fresh- roasted taste. I eat them whole (yup, shells and all….. not sure if you’re supposed to, but I’ve survived this long!!), and a batch from one or two pumpkins barely lasts a day.
They’re the perfect snack, and they store for long – makes for a total win win situation! Whether you’re heading on that yearly fall camping trip or need a mid-day pick-me-up, these home-roasted pumpkin seeds are sure to hit the spot. And the best part? They’re as easy as day to make!
The recepie that takes you minutes!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cut open a large pumpkin and scoop out the seeds into a colander
- Rinse well, getting all that pumpkin goop off
- Transfer to a bowl and mix with about a tablespoon of olive oil
- Spread out onto a cookie sheet (the seeds should be in a single layer)
- Sprinkle salt (to taste)
- Roast at for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown
Of course, if you’re feeling creative, and a little adventurous, then you can always put your own spin on these roasted pumpkin seeds. Add on some parmesan or whack on some herbs, and you can add that next flavour element to this delicious snack!
And don’t worry – I know how difficult it can be to get kids to eat some nutritious seeds and nuts, which is why I’ve got you covered. If plain roasted pumpkin seeds aren’t your thing, then you can always use them to elevate a recipe.
Here are some of my favourite go to makes:
- Pumpkin Loaf
You can add just about whatever you want to a pumpkin load – cranberries, almonds, citrus zest, you name it, it’s sure to be there. And pumpkin seeds are right down that alley, adding that perfect crunch to your soft loaf.
- Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Soup
Soup is a fall staple. And adding that little kick to what will be your family’s favourite appetizer is the perfect way to get excitement geared up for dinner time. It’s simple: make a delicious pumpkin soup, season it well, and garnish with some beautifully roasted pumpkin seeds. A meal well done, indeed.
- Pumpkin Cookies
Who doesn’t love cookies? Well, in this household, we’re all a bit crazy for cookies, and the pumpkin variety are some of our favourites. Not only do they have a distinct taste, but they’re extremely versatile in how they can be made. Make them plain if you desire, or add some cranberries, apples, nuts – or pretty much whatever suits your fancy , but soon enough you’ll have steaming hot treats coming out of the oven in no time!