Crispy Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Golden, crispy pumpkin seeds tossed in olive oil and warm spices, then roasted until deeply toasted and completely irresistible. A simple zero-waste recipe that turns something you would otherwise discard into one of the best things on the table.

My grandfather used to make these. Every time pumpkin was cooked, the seeds were saved, seasoned and roasted. Nothing was wasted and nothing lasted long. I have carried that habit into my own kitchen, and these little seeds have become one of those things people always ask about. Scattered over a salad, piled into a bowl beside a cheese platter, set out with a glass of wine or eaten straight from the tray late at night, they are quietly one of the best things to come out of a pumpkin. The recipe is almost embarrassingly simple. But that is the point. Some of the best things are.

Prep: 5 min · Cook: 12 min · Yield: Small bowl · Cuisine: Mediterranean · Category: Vegetables

Ingredients

Crispy Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

• Seeds from 1 medium pumpkin, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds well and pat dry thoroughly with paper towel.
3. Spread onto a lined baking tray.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, sweet paprika and garlic powder.
6. Toss again until evenly coated.
7. Spread into a single layer.
8. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, checking from 12 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.
9. Allow to cool on the tray before serving.

Notes

Make sure the seeds are as dry as possible before roasting. Any moisture will steam them rather than crisp them.

Spread them in a single layer so they toast evenly. A crowded tray leads to steaming rather than crisping.

Watch them from 12 minutes as they can catch quickly once they start to colour. You want deep golden, not burnt.

They will continue to crisp as they cool on the tray.

Serving Suggestion

Serve with or alongside:

Roasted Pumpkin with Feta, Honey & Herbs

Greek Style Salad with Feta, Olives & Garlic

Rainbow Ribbon Salad with Sesame, Chilli & Lime

Mediterranean Risoni Pasta Salad

The Grace Table Tip

Scatter a small handful over the Roasted Pumpkin with Feta, Honey & Herbs for texture and to tie the whole dish together. They are also beautiful over salads, on cheese platters, or simply set out in a bowl with a glass of wine.