Description
These Italian Style Pumpkin Seeds are a flavorful, crunchy snack that combines the natural goodness of fresh pumpkin seeds with aromatic Italian herbs and spices. Roasted to golden perfection, they are perfect for snacking or adding a savory touch to salads and soups.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Seeds
- Seeds from 1 whole fresh pumpkin, fresh, raw
Seasoning
- Olive oil, enough to coat seeds (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon (7g) Italian seasoning, dried
- 1 teaspoon (3g) granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- White pepper or black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional, about ⅛ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Scoop Pumpkin Seeds: Cut open a fresh pumpkin and scoop out the seeds carefully from the pulp.
- Clean the Seeds: Rinse the pumpkin seeds under cold water to remove any pumpkin flesh and strings attached to them. Pat dry with a towel.
- Boil the Seeds: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the cleaned pumpkin seeds. Boil for about 10 minutes to soften and clean further.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for roasting the seeds gently.
- Drain and Season: Drain the boiling water from the seeds thoroughly. Toss the seeds with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using, ensuring all seeds are well coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Roast Until Golden: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the seeds turn golden and crispy.
- Cool and Store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the seeds cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Boiling the seeds before roasting helps remove impurities and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- You can use different herbs or spices to customize the flavor, such as rosemary or smoked paprika.
- Store cooled seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.
- If preferred, roast at a slightly higher temperature (325°F) for a shorter time, checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
