Description
Cajun Pumpkin Seeds are a flavorful and crunchy snack made by roasting raw pumpkin seeds with a blend of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt. This easy-to-make snack offers a spicy, smoky twist on traditional roasted pumpkin seeds, perfect for a healthy treat or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup (approximately 100 g) raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tbsp (14 g) melted butter
- 2 liberal dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- 1 scant teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Rinse and Dry Pumpkin Seeds: Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly under cold water, removing as much pumpkin pulp as possible. Some tiny pumpkin pieces that stick to the seeds will not affect the taste and might add flavor. Pat the seeds dry with paper towels quickly to prevent sticking during roasting.
- Prepare the Seasoning Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to blend. Add the pumpkin seeds along with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt. Toss or stir the mixture until all seeds are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (149°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the seeds on the baking sheet.
- Arrange Seeds on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. This ensures even roasting and prevents the seeds from burning or steaming.
- Roast the Seeds: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 45 to 60 minutes. Every 20 minutes, stir and turn the seeds to promote even browning. The seeds are done when they become nicely browned and develop a crunchy texture.
- Check for Doneness: After about 45 minutes, check the seeds for crunchiness and a roasted, aromatic smell. If needed, continue roasting, checking every 5 to 10 minutes to avoid burning, until the seeds reach your desired level of crunch.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and dry the pumpkin seeds well to prevent sogginess during roasting.
- Stirring the seeds every 20 minutes is key to achieving even roasting and preventing burning.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.
- Store cooled roasted pumpkin seeds in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
