Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Other uses for pumpkins this Halloween... #3: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!

This is the third article in our "other uses for pumpkins" series. Keep checking over the next few days for more ideas of ways to use your leftover pumpkins!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins. What a weird tradition - where does it even come from? Well, the carving of "jack-o-lanterns" was first recorded in American in 1837, and it stems from the Samhain custom of carving turnips (how glamorous) into lanterns to remember the souls held in purgatory. Of course...

Because the funny round pumpkins are larger and easier to carve, the crafty Americans changed things up a bit, and nowadays pumpkins are all the rage come 31 October every year.

So, they're funny looking and good for cutting into scary Halloween faces but nothing else, right?

Wrong!

Pumpkins can make lovely soups, stews and other meals. They're similar in texture to a butternut squash, which are all the rage these days, though perhaps not quite as sweet. So this Halloween, when you're shopping for the perfect Halloween decoration, why not bag another to cook up a delightful Halloween soup?

Now you're up to scratch we can kick on with the nitty gritty behind this article! You've gouged out the insides of your pumpkin, and if you're particularly thrifty, you've used it for yesterday's Pumpkin Stock idea. So, just chuck away the seeds, eh?

No!

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a gorgeous savoury snack, which will come in handy for all sorts of delicious recipes in October and November.

Method:

First, make sure to rinse them well, you don't want any of that gunk left on them. Shake off excess water and coat them in oil, then place them on an oiled, non-stick pan (or use oiled baking paper to make sure they won't stick).

For a classic taste, just sprinkle with salt and roast under a grill on medium heat for 3-4 minutes - or until they're browned (but not burnt!).

For a sweet Halloween treat, add brown sugar and cinnamon instead of salt. Then sit back and watch your spooky horror movie with these, in place of boooooring popcorn, eh?

If you've had a few too many sweet snacks at this time of year, the seeds also make a great salad garnish. You can roast them without any salt or sugar, then sprinkle over your lettuce and simply drizzle with your favourite salad garnish too add a lovely crunchy twist.

Happy Halloween, chefs! Now that's done and dusted, pop over here to pick up some cheap halloween costumes!