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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Open the pumpkin by cutting a circle around the stem with a sharp knife, pulling off the top.
- Use a strong spoon to scrape the insides of the pumpkin, scooping out the seeds and strings.
- Place the pumpkin seeds in a colander and run under water to rinse and separate the seeds.
- 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.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
- Toss seeds in a teaspoon of oil and seasonings. Spread the seeds out over the roasting pan in a single layer.
- Bake on the top rack until the seeds begin to brown, 5-20 minutes, depending on the size of the seeds.
- Enjoy!
Moorings Park Communities proudly offer many healthy dining options for our residents with a wide selection of casual and fine dining restaurants in each of our communities. Contact us for more information on our communities, lifestyle, and the amenities available.
Moorings Park® Communities, with its three beautiful campuses, is widely known as the premier provider of active retirement living in Southwest Florida. With a wide variety of luxurious residences and unrivaled access to upscale and casual dining, comprehensive physician services, state-of-the art fitness centers and engaging social activities, Moorings Park Communities provides Simply the Best® facilities and services for successful aging. As a Life Plan provider (formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Community or CCRC), we offer peace of mind, security and knowledge that - should the need arise - the highest quality of healthcare is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents, members and even those in the general public, receive compassionate care by an experienced team on a daily basis.This new community with lake and golf views takes the concept of retirement living to "grande" heights. Providing the ultimate in personalized healthcare services, along with unparalleled craftsmanship and design from developer and project partner London Bay Development Group. Moorings Park® Communities, with its three beautiful campuses, is widely known as the premier provider of active retirement living in Southwest Florida. With a wide variety of luxurious residences and unrivaled access to upscale and casual dining, comprehensive physician services, state-of-the art fitness centers and engaging social activities, Moorings Park Communities provides Simply the Best® facilities and services for successful aging.