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Slow-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
When slow-roasted with a little salt and butter, pumpkin seeds make delicious snacks rich in nutritious minerals such as zinc. When I was growing up, carving pumpkins always meant that my mother would ask us to help her collect and wash the pumpkin seeds. She would then roast them in the oven until they were golden brown, filling the house with their rich, nutty aroma. I’ve never been able to make them as perfectly as she did, but this is her recipe:
- pumpkin seeds from 1 or more pumpkins
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt
Wash the pumpkin seeds to remove all the pulp, and place in a bowl. Melt the butter in a pan and then pour, bit by bit, into the nuts, tossing while you go. They key is not to use too much butter, but just enough to lightly coat the seeds. Smaller pumpkins may require less than 1 tablespoon of butter, larger ones more. Add salt. Preheat the oven to 250F; spread the seeds out over a baking pan and bake, turning occasionally, until crisp and lightly golden browned. Overcooking causes the nuts to toughen and lose flavor.
American Indian Variation
Wash the pumpkin seeds thoroughly, and place them in a bowl. Cover with cold water to which just enough salt has been added that it is still drinkable, and let soak overnight. Drain the seeds, place them on a cookie sheet, and cook in a low oven—-250 F—-until they are crisp and golden brown.
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9 comments
add your comment »I usually eat raw pumpkin seeds, which are less likely to have their healthy oils damaged by high heat. A health expert recommends roasting seeds at only 160-170ºF for 15-20 minutes to prevent damaging their oils.
(see http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82#howtouse)
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We've been doing this for years, but now use Earth Balance butter (very yummy and much better for you) and add Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt.
Annrn@wingsets.com
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I AM PART CHICASAW & REMEMBER THE OLD WAYS. I WILL BE SOAKING MINE FIRST!
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Thank you Annie! I have been cooking them at 350 and I need to use a lower temperature. The butter idea is great too. Thanks again!
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I have never had freshly roasted pumpkin seeds before. Sounds good. Roughly how long do you roast them for?
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MMMMMMMMMMMMM my favorite!
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In Chinese medicine roasted pumpkin seeds are great for resolving weak bladder conditions.
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Thank you. This article brings back so many wonderful memories and a piece of my American Indian heritage. My grandmother grew up on a reservation, and my father used to make these every fall for me as a young girl. I think I am going to pick up a few pumpkins and make them for my father, who is now too old and sick to stand over an oven.
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Sounds wonderful.
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