Fall Favorite: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

There is nearly nothing more satisfying than cleaning out a hand-picked pumpkin in preparation for carving. However, don't throw away those insides. Instead, make an easy, delicious and healthy snack: roasted pumpkin seeds.

Not only are roasted pumpkin seeds a fun fall-favorite, but this tasty snack also provides Tryptophan, an amino acid responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, which in turn, can lower your risk of depression.

This healthy snack is easy to make and customizable when it comes to seasoning. So, if you're looking for a sweet treat or a salty crunch, pumpkin seeds can become your new go-to.

Related Blog: Pumpkins: Fun Fall Decoration or Superfood?

Ingredients

• One medium pumpkin
• Extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Seasonings of choice
• Salt
  
  

Customize Your Flavor

• Ranch: Onion powder, parsley, garlic powder, dill, dry mustard, celery seed, paprika, black pepper
• Cinnamon Sugar: Brown sugar, cinnamon
• Sweet and Spicy: Brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper
• Your favorite dry rub
  
  

Directions 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Open the pumpkin by cutting a circle around the stem with a sharp knife, pulling off the top.
3. Use a strong spoon to scrape the insides of the pumpkin, scooping out the seeds and strings.
4. Place the pumpkin seeds in a colander and run under water to rinse and separate the seeds.
5. Measure the pumpkin seeds in a measuring cup. Place the seeds in a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to the pan for every half cup of pumpkin seeds.
6. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
7. Toss seeds in a teaspoon of oil and seasonings. Spread the seeds out over the roasting pan in a single layer.
8. Bake on the top rack until the seeds begin to brown, 5-20 minutes, depending on the size of the seeds.
9. Enjoy!