Whether you’re carving pumpkins or removing your fall decor, don’t forget that pumpkins are useful for more than their exterior. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious — and healthy — fall treat!
“Pumpkin seeds … are rich in magnesium, which can aid in heart and bone health, lower blood pressure and even prevent migraines,” the American Heart Association’s website states.
Here’s the recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds:
- Scoop out the pumpkin’s seeds and place them in a bowl.
- Rinse the seeds to remove all the stringy goo. On that note, many people ask, “Should pumpkin seeds be soaked before roasting?” Not necessary! Just a little rinsing will do, but you can soak them for a few hours to refine the texture. Then spread them out on a towel to dry overnight.
- Toss the seeds in a bowl with a little melted butter and salt.
- Spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally, until they’re a nice golden brown. (This takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but keep an eye on them.)
- For variety, you can spice them up with garlic, red pepper or Worcestershire sauce, or stay in the holiday spirit with a little cinnamon and sugar.
That’s it! Now you can start a new tradition in your home: making roasted pumpkin seeds!
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