Try roasting pumpkins as a snack instead of throwing them out.Before drying the seeds, rinse them under cold running water and bake them in the oven.Adding seasonings will turn your pumpkin seeds into a delicious treat.
Step 1: To access the seeds, remove the top of the pumpkin.
If you haven't already done so, use a sharp cutting knife to cut a circle around the pumpkin's stem.Make sure the lid is wide enough for your hand to fit through.The lid should be removed when you are done cutting it.
Step 2: The seeds from the pumpkin can be found in a large spoon.
The bigger the spoon, the easier it will be to remove the seeds.Taking time to scoop out as many seeds as possible is what it takes to loosen the pumpkin.You can carve pumpkins with your hands or an object from the pumpkin carving kit.
Step 3: Place the seeds in a large bowl.
As you scoop out the seeds, place them in a bowl large enough to hold everything.As you put the seeds in the bowl, remove the large pieces of pulp from them.If you remove the seeds from a smaller pumpkin, you may not need a large bowl.
Step 4: Put the seeds in a strainer and rinse them.
It will be easier to clean the seeds with this help.Use your hands to move the seeds around as you hold the colander full of seeds.
Step 5: Place the seeds on a towel.
Once the seeds are mostly clean, take them out of the strainer and put them on a clean kitchen towel.Pull the strings off if you can.The seeds can be placed on paper towels.
Step 6: The seeds can be dried with a kitchen towel.
If you want to make sure the seeds are as dry as possible, spread them out on the towel.Once the seeds are dry, place them in a bowl.If you want to remove excess water from the seeds, you can shake them in the colander.The seeds will not roast well if they are still damp in the oven.
Step 7: The seeds should be tossed with oil or butter.
Once the seeds are in a bowl, place cooking oil or melted butter into the bowl to cover them.You can mix the seeds with the oil or butter by using a large spoon.Canola oil, olive oil and vegetable oil can be used.The amount of oil or butter you use depends on how many pumpkin seeds you have, but you can always add more.
Step 8: Add your own seasonings.
If you like seasonings such as garlic powder, salt, pepper, they are your favorite.The seasoning should be put into the pumpkin seeds.Sprinkle small amounts of seasonings before adding more.Add salt and pepper to your pumpkin seeds for a simple yet delicious flavor.Adding seasonings like chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or crab seasoning will give you a stronger flavor.For a sweet snack, add sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 9: Using a large spoon, stir the pumpkin seed mixture thoroughly.
Make sure the pumpkin seeds are evenly coated with oil or butter.Sprinkle a little more into the mixture if you notice that many seeds don't have seasoning on them.
Step 10: Prepare a sheet pan by preheating the oven to 350F.
You can use aluminum foil if you want to prevent seeds from sticking the best.When the oven is preheating, you're ready to roast your seeds.
Step 11: The seeds should be spread evenly on the baking sheet.
Spread the pumpkin seeds onto the lined baking sheet using a spoon.They should be laying flat so they roast evenly.If you end up with pumpkin seeds on top of each other, try baking them in two smaller batches.
Step 12: Stir the seeds occasionally after they have been baked for 30 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven every 10 minutes and move the seeds around using a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil to ensure they roast evenly.The seeds are done once they start to brown.
Step 13: If you want to eat the seeds, warm them up or keep them cool.
When the oven is turned off, use a spatula to scoop the seeds into a bowl or other serving dish.They can be eaten while they are still warm from the oven, or you can sit and wait for them to cool down.
Step 14: For a week, store the seeds in a container.
If you want to save roasted pumpkin seeds, put them in a mason jar, plastic bag, or piece of tupperware.You can place the seeds in the freezer for up to a month, or you can keep them fresh for a week or so at room temperature.If seeds are placed in the freezer, they should be in a container.You can remember when the seeds were roasted by writing the date on the container.