HOW TO ROAST PUMPKIN SEEDS — SHELLED AND UNSHELLED
Discover how to perfectly roast pumpkin seeds both with and without shells. Shelled seeds are ideal for sprinkling over salads or pumpkin soup, while the unshelled seeds make a crunchy, tasty snack — perfect with a cold beer!
🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: Variable
Ingredients
Shelled Pumpkin Seeds:
- 5 heaping tablespoons raw shelled pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seed oil
- 3–5 pinches coarse sea salt (fleur de sel)
Unshelled Pumpkin Seeds:
- Seeds from one pumpkin
- A little pumpkin seed oil
- Coarse sea salt (fleur de sel)
Instructions
For Shelled Seeds:
- In a bowl, toss the shelled pumpkin seeds with the pumpkin seed oil until evenly coated.
- Add sea salt—3 pinches for lightly salted or 5 pinches for a stronger salty flavor—and mix well.
- Spread the seeds evenly on a baking sheet.
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Once you place the seeds in, reduce temperature to 120°C (250°F).
- Roast for about 7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
For Unshelled Seeds:
- Scoop seeds out of the pumpkin and clean off as much pulp as possible.
- Rinse seeds thoroughly in cold water to remove the slimy coating. Drain well.
- Spread seeds on a tray and let dry in a warm place (like near a radiator) for at least 1 day.
- Once dry, rub the seeds between your palms to loosen and remove the transparent shells.
- Toss the seeds with a small amount of pumpkin seed oil (just enough to help salt stick) and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Spread seeds on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. Stir 2–3 times during roasting for even color.
💡 Tips
- Use pumpkin seed oil for authentic flavor and better coating.
- Adjust salt amount to your taste preference.
- Drying unshelled seeds thoroughly before roasting improves crispness.
- Roasted pumpkin seeds make great toppings or healthy snacks!
🎉 Perfect For
- Salads and soups
- Healthy snacks
- Party appetizers and beer pairings
📝 Final Thoughts
Roasting pumpkin seeds at home, whether shelled or not, is quick and rewarding. Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor add a delightful touch to many dishes or stand alone as a nutritious snack. Experiment with salt levels and enjoy this autumn favorite any time of year!