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- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness) - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Pumpkin seeds: These seeds are high in protein and healthy fats. They also have magnesium, which helps your heart. - Olive oil: This oil is full of healthy fats that can lower bad cholesterol. - Smoked paprika: This spice gives flavor and contains antioxidants. - Cayenne pepper: It adds heat and may boost your metabolism. - Garlic powder: This spice helps to lower blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Onion powder: It adds flavor and may help with digestion. - Sea salt: This salt enhances taste and helps keep the body hydrated. - Maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds flavor and contains minerals like zinc. - Black pepper: It enhances flavor and may improve digestion. When choosing pumpkin seeds, look for raw seeds without added salt or flavoring. Fresh seeds should be a light green color and feel firm. I recommend buying from a trusted source to ensure they are high quality. Avoid seeds that look dull or have dark spots. Quality seeds make a big difference in taste and nutrition. To make spicy roasted pumpkin seeds, start with 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds. Rinse them under cold water to get rid of any leftover pulp. This step is key for flavor. After rinsing, pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry seeds will roast better. Next, take a mixing bowl and add the pumpkin seeds. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This oil helps the spices stick to the seeds. Toss the seeds until every one is coated evenly. Now, add the spices: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. If you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne. Mix well until the seeds are fully coated. Then, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Roast the pumpkin seeds for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir them every 5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You want them to be golden brown and smell amazing when done. When they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. To ensure even cooking, always stir the seeds during roasting. This helps all sides get that nice crunch. If your seeds are not uniform in size, some may cook faster than others. So, if you have larger seeds, consider spreading them out more. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before roasting. This helps cook the seeds quickly and evenly. Lastly, let the seeds cool completely before storing them. This keeps them crispy and fresh longer. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! To get the perfect crunch in your spicy roasted pumpkin seeds, follow a few key steps. First, make sure to dry the seeds well after rinsing them. Any moisture can lead to a softer texture. Next, use the right amount of oil. Too little oil can cause them to burn, while too much can make them soggy. Toss the seeds in olive oil to coat them evenly. Finally, roast them at the right temperature. I suggest 350°F (175°C). Stir every five minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Many people make common mistakes when roasting pumpkin seeds. The first mistake is not soaking the seeds. Skipping this step can lead to a chewier texture. Another mistake is crowding the baking sheet. When seeds are too close together, they steam instead of roast. This keeps them from getting that nice crunch. Lastly, watch the time. If you leave them in the oven too long, they can burn quickly. To enhance the flavor of your spicy roasted pumpkin seeds, try different spices. Besides cayenne and smoked paprika, you can add cumin or chili powder for extra warmth. For a sweet touch, a bit of cinnamon pairs well with the spice mix. Experiment with fresh herbs too. Chopped rosemary or thyme can add a unique twist. You can even toss in some citrus zest for brightness. This way, you can create your own flavor profile that you love. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can change the spices to create new flavors. Try using chili powder for heat. Cumin adds a warm, earthy taste. For a zesty kick, add lime zest. You can even use Italian herbs for a twist. Mix and match based on what you like. If you prefer sweet snacks, you can make a sweet version. Use cinnamon and sugar for a classic taste. You can also add nutmeg for warmth. Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup on the seeds before roasting. This makes a tasty treat that's perfect for fall. For a low-sodium option, skip the sea salt. Instead, use herbs and spices to boost flavor. If you want a vegan snack, the recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just ensure your sweetener is plant-based. You can enjoy these seeds no matter your diet. Try these variations to keep your snacks fun and exciting! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your spicy roasted pumpkin seeds fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will keep them crunchy and prevent moisture. Glass jars or resealable bags work great. It's best to wait until they cool completely before putting them away. Roasted pumpkin seeds can last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. In the fridge, they can last for up to one month. Freezing is another option. When frozen, they can stay good for up to six months. If you want to warm up your pumpkin seeds, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the seeds on a baking sheet. Heat them for about five minutes. This will help bring back their crunch. Enjoy your snack again with that fresh taste! For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. Pumpkin seeds are small but mighty. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals. Eating them may help with heart health and weight management. They also provide magnesium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients boost your immune system and help your bones. Plus, pumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants. They can improve your mood and sleep, thanks to their high magnesium content. Overall, adding pumpkin seeds to your diet can offer great health perks. Yes, you can use pre-seasoned pumpkin seeds. However, they may have added salt and preservatives. This can change the taste and health benefits. If you prefer control over flavors, make your own using the full recipe. This way, you can adjust the spice and salt to your liking. Homemade seeds taste fresh and are free from unwanted additives. You can easily make pumpkin seeds on the stove. Start by rinsing and drying the seeds. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the seeds to the dry pan. Stir them often to avoid burning. Cook for about 10 minutes until they are golden and crunchy. You can add your favorite seasonings while cooking. This method is quick and keeps your kitchen cool! Pumpkin seeds pack a punch in both taste and health. Understanding their ingredients and nutritional benefits helps you create a delicious snack. Following the step-by-step instructions ensures perfect roasting every time. Remember to avoid common mistakes for that ideal crunch and explore fun flavor variations. Store your seeds properly to keep them fresh. With this knowledge, you can enjoy pumpkin seeds while reaping their many benefits. Make them a regular part of your diet for a delicious and healthy treat!

Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Spice up your snack game with these fiery and flavorful Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines the crunch of pumpkin seeds with the kick of cayenne and the richness of smoked paprika. Ready in just 30 minutes, these snacks are ideal for sharing or enjoying solo. Click through to discover the full recipe and add a spicy twist to your snacking!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Rinse the pumpkin seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or strings, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin seeds with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

        Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and maple syrup. Mix well until the seeds are thoroughly coated in the spice mixture.

          Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

            Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

              Once they are golden brown and fragrant, remove the seeds from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

                While cooling, sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

                  Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4