If you're going to the trouble of cooking fresh pumpkin or winter squash, don't let those tasty seeds go to waste. The seeds of any winter squash -- pumpkin, butternut, acorn and delicata to name a few -- can be roasted. And the whole seed is edible; so there's no need to try to remove the outer (white) husk unless you just really want to.
Before roasting, the seeds need to be completely clean and free of pumpkin innards. The easiest way I've found to do this is to place the seeds in a colander or mesh sieve and vigorously swish them around under cool, running water. The agitation loosens the tether between the seeds.
Salting is also key. Simmering the seeds in salted water not only imparts flavor, it helps them cook more evenly once they are in the oven.
The roasted seeds are delicious sprinkled on soups or salads or simply eaten out of hand for snacking.
I love pumpkin seeds flavored with a combination of smoked paprika, lightly crushed cumin seed and ancho chile powder.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Seeds from pumpkins or other winter squash
Salt (about 1 tablespoon per cup of seeds)
Olive oil
Desired seasoning such as ground black pepper, ancho chile powder, garam masala, curry powder, cayenne, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon or brown sugar
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Thoroughly clean seeds, making sure to remove all visible pumpkin strings and flesh.
Place the seeds in a pot and add salt and enough cold water to cover by at least an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Drain thoroughly. Spread seeds out on the prepared baking sheet. Let dry for a few minutes.
Drizzle seeds with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper or other seasoning. Stir well to coat. Return seeds to a single layer.
Roast seeds 10 to 20 minutes, or until seeds are lightly browned, stirring seeds frequently. Immediately transfer seeds to a cool baking sheet to stop the cooking; let cool. Seeds will keep in an airtight container for about a week.
Food on 11/02/2016