Crunchy Soaked and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Got pumpkin seeds? Don't let them go to waste! Instead, try this roasted pumpkin seeds recipe. Soaking pumpkin seeds before roasting makes them exponentially more nutritious, easy to digest, flavorful, and crunchy! You can use this recipe with any type of pumpkin or hard winter squash seeds, including jack-o-lantern, butternut, or acorn squash.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl for soaking
- Strainer
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- fresh raw pumpkin seeds
- sea salt, for soaking and seasoning
- water
- melted coconut oil, butter, or olive oil (about 1 Tbsp per 2 cups seeds)
- additional seasonings of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Separate the seeds from the pumpkin flesh/guts as much as possible. Rinse well in a colander. Transfer the pumpkin seeds to a clean bowl to soak in.
- Create a mild salt water brine to pour over the seeds. Combine about 1/2 Tbsp of salt for every 2 cups of water used.
- Leave the bowl out on the counter and allow the pumpkin seeds to soak for 6 hours minimum, up to 24 hours
- Drain the seeds in a stainer and shake away excess water. Allow the seeds to air dry for a few hours if possible, such as spread out on a clean lint-free tea towel. You can also pat them dry and move on to roasting more quickly if needed.
- Place the soaked pumpkin seeds (now fairly dry) in a bowl to toss with seasonings and evenly coat them. Add 1 Tbsp of melted coconut oil, butter, or olive oil per two cups of pumpkin seeds, plus a sprinkle of sea salt. *See more seasoning ideas in the notes below.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spread the pumpkin seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Optional: line the baking sheet with a silicone mat or tin foil for easy clean-up.
- Bake the soaked pumpkin seeds for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, until lightly golden and crunchy. Stir and toss the seeds several times throughout the process to promote even roasting, about every 15 minutes. (Note: they'll crisp up even more as they cool down)
- Once your roasted pumpkin seeds have fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container with a lid for storage. Enjoy!
Notes
Additional Seasoning Ideas
Savory: paprika, garlic salt or garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle seasoning, curry powder, ‘everything but the bagel seasoning’, powdered ranch seasoning, nutritional yeast, or parmesan cheese.
Sweet: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger powder, brown sugar or maple syrup.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!