Smoked Paprika Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.

Smoked paprika roasted pumpkin seeds.

A few weeks ago I discovered what I thought were two watermelons growing rogue in my garden turned out to be pumpkins – they looked very much like a striped watermelon that soon turned a lovely orange color.  I was fearful that they weren’t going to last that long due to the onset of the hot weather so we cut them open, harvested the seeds and roasted the pumpkin flesh to freeze.

I had this post ready to go a few weeks ago and opted to share it today as I’m unable to prep food.  If you don’t follow me on IG – on Monday the doc decided to remove my pins from my finger (that were scheduled to be removed Friday) because my body was starting to reject them.  The process was supposed to be relatively easy and only take a few minutes once I had a ring block numbing my finger.  50 minutes later and a very messy situation, I left bandaged like I had surgery due to the aggressiveness required to remove these slick pins.  Sigh.  It’s over.  They are out and I couldn’t be happier but the residual pain is a bit much.  I go back Friday for a check-up and hopefully a release to run and be myself again.  (Fingers crossed – pun intended) For now I rest, a lot, and try to heal.

Onto my recipe…. I know it seems early to be prepping pumpkin seeds but my family already devoured these.  They never last long in my house.  This recipe can be adjusted to sub out the smoked paprika to your favorite spice but the cooking technique remains the same.  I soak my nuts to help them become easily digestible and thought I could try that with these.  It worked and they turned out perfectly.

Ingredients:

Pumpkin seeds
Salt
Smoked paprika
Water
Olive oil

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

First you need to clean the seeds from the stringy pumpkin pulp inside.  I know there is just no easy way around this and it’s super fun with just one hand as my other hand has a cast on it for my finger.  Clean and rinse them really well.

Then in a large bowl add the seeds and fill with water to cover.  I add about 1 tablespoon of salt and mix.  Let them sit for about 10 minutes.  Once that’s over, pour the water and seeds into a saucepan on your stove and bring to a boil – reduce the heat and let cook for about 8 more minutes.  Once done, pour through a fine mesh strainer and then dump the seeds onto a clean kitchen towel.  Rub them dry  – the seeds will stick to your towel but just pull them off.

Oil your baking sheet so they don’t stick and add the seeds.  Sprinkle with smoked paprika and some salt.  No exact measurements required. Toss them so they coat with the spice/oil and then place in the oven.  Bake for 12 minutes.  Remove and toss and place back in for an additional 8-10 minutes.  Once lightly browned, remove and serve!

 

Perfect straight up or tossed in your favorite salad.

No fitness update from me.  I’ve been resting a lot but I think I’m going to venture out today for a walk to get my legs moving.  I’m feeling a bit more like myself today.  Wishing you a great day!

~oxo

— Knead to Cook