Smoked Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
If you haven’t tried a homemade smoked pumpkin seeds recipe, then you’re missing out!
I sure hope you are not discarding pumpkin seeds when carving your pumpkin. You know they are edible right? Let me show you how you can transform them into delicious smoked and roasted pumpkin seeds. Best part, you only need 3 ingredients.
Don’t toss your pumpkin seeds, transform them
You already got the pumpkin, use the seeds to make this tasty treat – Smoked Pumpkin Seeds.
This recipe checks off all the boxes: minimal ingredients, easy and budget friendly. Smoked and roasted pumpkin seeds are a must. Healthy snack with endless flavor options.
I bet you did not think of gifting them during the holidays. Use pretty jars, add a ribbon and an ornament and there you have it, a nice gift.
I guarantee it will be very appreciated.
Why you will love these smoked pumpkin seeds
Crunchy Delight: Yep, we all love that crunchy of chips, popcorn, crackers. Now you can enjoy that perfect crunch when you bite into a perfectly roasted pumpkin seed. Explosion of flavor and texture in your mouth.
Versatility at Its Best: Pumpkin seeds are so versatile. They adapt to various flavors, from classic sea salt to adventurous smoky notes. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats. So, you can snack guilt-free while giving your body a nutrient boost.
Zero-Waste Wonder: Treating yourself to a tasty snack by utilizing every part of the pumpkin, in our case the seeds. What a great way to reduce waste and make the most out of seasonal ingredients.
Recipe Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Pumpkin seeds – you can use seeds from pie, culinary or carving pumpkin. Here is what you need to know about them and how they differ:
- Pie pumpkin (sugar pumpkins) seeds – These smaller, sweeter pumpkins are often used for making pumpkin pies. The seeds are typically smaller and denser, with a rich, nutty flavor. They’re excellent for snacking or adding to salads.
- Culinary or cooking pumpkin – your regular orange type pumpkin; this type is grown specifically for cooking purposes; if you are looking for seeds with a robust, nutty flavor to elevate your roasted pumpkin seed game, use the culinary pumpkin.
- Carving Pumpkins (Jack-o’-Lantern Pumpkins) – The seeds from carving pumpkins are larger and may have a milder flavor compared to pie or culinary pumpkin seeds. They are also more fibrous in texture in their raw or lightly roasted form. If you choose to use them make sure you roast them for a longer time. This will help break down the fibers and you will get that perfect crunchy texture
Seasoning of your choice – for this batch I picked salt and black pepper.
Olive oil or melted butter – The fruity and peppery notes of extra virgin olive oil, will complement the nuttiness of the seeds. Light coating is all you need. Experiment with flavored olive oil!
Butter adds a rich and comforting flavor to the seeds (think of the extra buttery popcorn), giving them a savory and indulgent taste. Note of caution, butter has a lower smoking point so watch more carefully during roasting to prevent burning.
Great substitutes to olive oil or butter:
- Coconut oil – Adds a subtle coconut flavor and slightly tropical twist
- Avocado oil – mild, slightly nutty flavor; it also has a high smoke point, making it suitable for roasting at higher temperatures.
- Ghee (Clarified Butter): If you want the richness of butter with a higher smoke point, ghee is an excellent option.
- Vegetable Shortening: Provides a rich texture and can work well for roasting, especially if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Nut Oils (e.g., Almond Oil): These can add a distinct nutty flavor to the seeds, enhancing their overall taste.
Did you know?
An average pumpkin contains 500 seeds. One large pumpkin should yield 1 – 1.5 cups of seeds.
Equipment you will need
- Pellet Smoker, grill. If using a grill I recommend getting smoking tube to infuse the seeds with the smoke
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium size mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Medium size pan
- Strainer
Why You should boil the pumpkin seeds:
- Boiling for 10 minutes will help remove more of the impurities and pulp
- Boiling will open up the pores in the seeds skin which will allow the smoke and seasoning to penetrate deeper
- Boiling will soften the skin making them easier to digest
- You can add 1-2 tbsp of salt per one cup of pumpkin seeds to the boiling water to further enhance the flavor of the seeds from the inside out. Skip the salt if you are planning on sweet seasoning before roasting.
- If you have extra time, instead of boiling you can soak the pumpkin seeds in salt water for 2-3 hours (salt is optional here as well)
Step by step instructions for the smoker
- Start by cutting the pumpkin into half. Using a spoon or bare hands remove the seeds and pumpkin guts. Place the seeds into a strainer. Wash them under cold water until most of the pumpkin flesh is removed.
- In a medium size pan bring water to boil. Add all the pumpkin seeds and cook for 10 minutes. Optionally you can add salt to the water.
- After 10 minutes, drain the water.
- Remove the seeds from the pan. Remove excess pumpkin pulp. Spread seeds onto a paper towel to roughly dry them off.
- Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- Place all the seeds on the baking sheet in one layer only. Let the seeds air dry overnight.
- The next day, place the seeds in a mixing bowl. Add oil and spices. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Set your smoker at the high smoke setting (low temperature, between 180-200F).
- Place the oiled baking sheet inside the smoker and cook for about 20 minutes. At this lower temperature the smoke will penetrate the seeds infusing them with best smoky flavor.
- After 20 minutes, raise the temperature to 350F and roast the seeds for the perfect crunch for another 20 minutes. You can toss them around so they roast evenly.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the smoker. Set aside and let them cool.
Oven Instructions:
- Follow steps 1 through 8 from the instructions for the smoker.
- Preheat the oven to 300F. This moderate temperature allows the pumpkin seeds to roast slowly. They will become crispy and golden brown without the risk of overcooking or burning
- Place the baking sheet with the pumpkin seeds in the preheated oven
- Roast 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10-25 minutes to ensure even roasting
- The seeds are done when they are golden brown in color and have a crunchy texture
Best way to enjoy Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
- Add to salads
- Add to soups
- Add to any cooked vegetables
- Add to baking goods
- Use in homemade granola
- Enjoy with yogurt parfait
- Add to any pasta dish
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Storage of Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
- Cool Completely:
- do you know why this is the most important step? If there’s any residual heat, it can create condensation inside the container, leading to a loss of crispiness.
- Refrigeration:
- Transfer to an airtight container
- They can last for up to a month
- Freezing:
- While pumpkin seeds can be stored at room temperature for a few weeks, freezing is a great option if you made a big batch. Just make sure they’re in a sealed bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn or odors from affecting their flavor.
- use within 6 months for the best quality and taste.
- Thawing and Reheating:
- See below for more detailed instructions on reheating previously frozen pumpkin seeds
Top Tips for storing Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
Airtight Container: next to using mason jar this is the best vessel for storing. This helps prevent them from absorbing moisture and keeps them crispy. They will last for about 1-2 weeks.
Dry Environment: Store the container in a cool, dry place. Humidity will impact the texture of the seeds, so keeping them in a dry environment is a must.
Avoid Sunlight: Keep the container away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can affect the quality of the seeds and potentially lead to rancidity.
Seasoning After Storage: If you’ve seasoned the seeds with herbs or spices, consider adding additional seasoning after storage if needed. The flavors can mellow over time.
Quick guide how to reheat previously frozen seeds:
- Thawing: Allow the frozen pumpkin seeds to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This process helps prevent condensation, ensuring that the seeds remain crispy after roasting.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to around 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature is ideal for a quick roast without risking overcooking or burning.
- Spread Evenly: Once thawed, spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures even roasting.
- Quick Roast: Roast the seeds for about 5-10 minutes, checking them frequently to prevent overcooking. You’re essentially reheating and crisping them up, so the duration can be shorter than the initial roast.
- Check for Crispiness: Keep an eye on the seeds and check for the desired level of crispiness. Remember, they can go from perfectly roasted to slightly burnt quickly, so monitor them closely.
- Seasoning (Optional): If you want to add more seasoning or spices, you can do so after the quick roast while the seeds are still warm.
Easy Smoked Pumpkin Seeds
Equipment
- 1 wood pellet smoker
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 medium size pan
- 1 medium size mixing bowl
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 spoon for mixing
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp coarse black pepper
Instructions
- Start by cutting the pumpkin into half. Using a spoon or bare hands remove the seeds and guts. Place the seeds into a strainer. Wash them under cold water until most of the pumpkin flesh is removed.
- In a medium size pan bring water to boil. Add all the pumpkin seeds and cook for 10 minutes. Optionally you can add salt to the water.
- After 10 minutes, drain the water.
- Remove the seeds from the pan. Remove excess pumpkin pulp. Spread seeds onto a paper towel to roughly dry them off.
- Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- Place all the seeds on the baking sheet in one layer only. Let the seeds air dry overnight.
- The next day, place the seeds in a mixing bowl. Add oil and spices. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Set your smoker at the high smoke setting (low temperature, between 180-200F).
- Place the oiled baking sheet inside the smoker and cook for about 20 minutes. At this lower temperature the smoke will penetrate the seeds infusing them with best smoky flavor.
- After 20 minutes, raise the temperature to 350F and roast the seeds for the perfect crunch for another 20 minutes. You can toss them around so they roast evenly.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the smoker. Set aside and let them cool.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
However you chose to prepare the pumpkin seeds, from the smoker or in the oven you will love the crunch texture and flavor options. It will be your go to snack and unique gift idea during the holidays.
Smoked Pumpkin Seeds: FAQs
How do I clean and prepare pumpkin seeds for roasting?
Remove them from the pumpkin and place in a medium size bowl; fill it with water and rinse this way. You can also use a large sieve and clean the seeds under running water. Good method is also cooking the seeds in a saucepan for 10 minutes. This helps to remove any flesh residue.
What seasonings work best for roasted pumpkin seeds?
Popular seasonings includes salt, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or a mix of sweet and savory spices.
How long do I smoke pumpkin seeds, and at what temperature?
I recommend two phase smoking: start at 180F for 20 minutes to infuse the smoke without overcooking; after that raise the temperature and roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the pumpkin seeds are golden in color and crispy in texture.
Can I roast seeds from any type of pumpkin?
Yes, seeds from various pumpkin varieties can be roasted. Experiment with seeds from pie, culinary or carving pumpkins. All are edible.
Are roasted pumpkin seeds healthy?
Roasted pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, promoting heart health and overall well-being. Remember – everything in moderation 🙂
Why should I boil the pumpkin seeds before roasting?
Here are the benefits to boiling the seeds: clean more impurities and pulp from the seeds; it softens the skin, making it easier to digest; it opens up skin pores to allow the smoke and flavorings to penetrate better, enhancing the flavor greatly.
How can I roast pumpkin seeds without a smoker or grill?
You can roast the seeds in the oven; prepare according to the recipe and roast on baking sheet at 375F for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and crispy
