It’s pumpkin season, and if you’re like us, you’re enjoying the autumn bounty of these orange gourds in lots of recipes. But what about the seeds? Every pumpkin is filled with lots of little pumpkin seeds, the added bonus of using fresh pumpkins.
Pumpkin seeds are super-healthy with vitamins, minerals and oxidants. One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains almost half the recommended daily requirement of magnesium and are a rich source of zinc and plant-based omega 3s. To learn more about the health benefits of pumpkin seeds, read The Perfect Seed: Why Everyone Should Add Pumpkin Seeds to Their Diet.
Besides being healthy, pumpkin seeds are a yummy snack and a delicious addition to recipes. You can eat them raw, and it’s easy to make your own roasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas – just follow the easy instructions in 10 Ways to Cook with Pumpkin Flesh and Seeds. Then munch away or use them in your autumn recipes.
So the next time you carve open a pumpkin, don’t throw away the seeds. Here are 12 delicious recipes using pumpkin seeds.
1. Raw Pumpkin Seed Crackers With Spinach
These Pumpkin Seed Crackers with Spinach are so good; the fact that they are healthy is just added bonus. Made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds plus fresh spinach, these crackers have everything you need to feel good about eating a bunch of them. The garlic and jalapeno add zingy flavor. Make extra because these are going to go fast!
2. Creamy Pumpkin Seed Alfredo With Kale and Sweet Peas
All you need is a blender to make this Creamy Pumpkin Seed Alfredo with Kale and Sweet Peas. It’s luscious and comforting and good for you all at the same time. The raw hulled pumpkin seeds, filled with healthy fats, give it richness. There is no added oil, making it an excellent choice for those watching their oil consumption.
3. Fudgy Chocolate, Pistachio, and Pumpkin Seed Butter Cookies
OMG! Look at these Fudgy, Chocolate, Pistachio and Pumpkin Seed Butter Cookies that will just melt-in-your-mouth. Their secret ingredient is pumpkin seed butter. With a gooey, fudgy center, these cookies are an all-round crowd-pleaser and perfect comfort food for young and old.
4. Crispy, Crunchy Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings
Say goodbye to greasy onion rings! Say hello to these lovely baked beauties instead! These Crispy, Crunchy Cornmeal and Pepita Onion Rings have a mixture of cornmeal and crushed pepitas that give these unique onion rings a crunchy coating and a unique blend of flavors. Dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra special treat!
5. Toasted Pepita Breakfast Hash
This high protein, simple, and satisfying Toasted Pepita Breakfast Hash will be your new favorite breakfast. It has seasoned veggies and toasted pumpkin seeds. Use any veggies you like to make it your own. This is delicious on its own, with some scrambled tofu, or stuffed into a tortilla as a burrito filling.
6. Pumpkin Seed Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms
These Pumpkin Seed Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms have succulent oven-roasted mushrooms packed with nutrients and an enormous amount of vegetable magic squeezed into each cap. These will be the star of any potluck or holiday dinner you bring them to. They also make a wonderful mid-week meal, as you can play with the herbs you use, and dress them up or down as desired.
7. Slow Roasted Tomato and Pepita Pesto
This Slow Roasted Tomato and Pepita Pesto highlights slow roasted tomatoes in an herby variation of sun-dried tomato pesto. With pumpkin seeds in the pesto, it’s a versatile sauce and the ultimate condiment. You’ll want to put it in and on everything!
8. Pumpkin Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil
This colorful Pumpkin Pasta is ready in less than half an hour, so it’s great for quick weeknight dinners! Creamy pumpkin combines with tomato and basil to make a bridge between summer and fall flavors. To give the pasta an extra boost of iron and to stick with the pumpkin theme, it’s topped off with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds!
9. Herb Tofu Caesar Salad With Spicy Pepitas
This Herb Tofu Caesar Salad has delicious baked tofu and homemade herb croutons. It’s topped with spicy pepitas for flavor and crunch. Serve it with the avocado Caesar dressing for the perfect meal.
10. 5 Ingredient Pepita Seeds and Coconut Raw Chocolate Bark
What better way to enjoy a rich, chocolaty treat than the simplest way? With only five ingredients, this Pepita Seeds and Coconut Raw Chocolate Bark comes together quickly and easily. That means you can get to enjoying it that much faster.
11. Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Energy Balls With Pepitas
These Cacao-Coconut Plantain Rice Energy Balls with Pepitas will satisfy any sweet tooth in a healthy way. Made with Medjool dates, cacao powder, coconut flakes and spiralized plantain rice, these energy balls are the perfect sweet no-bake dessert. The salted pepitas are like the pumpkin cherry on top.
12. Smokey Pumpkin Grits with Maple-Roasted Pepitas
This golden and delicious dish of Smokey Pumpkin Grits with Maple-Roasted Pepitas personifies fall. Creamy golden grits with just a hint of smokey and savory sweetness are topped with crunchy pepitas lightly toasted with nooch and just a hint of maple syrup. Whether you serve it for breakfast or brunch, as tapas, or as a side dish, it is sure to satisfy as a warm and comforting ode to autumn.
Adding more nuts and seeds to your diet is always a good choice. With pumpkins in abundance this season, you can enjoy lots of healthy, delicious pumpkin seeds.
Lead image source: 5 Ingredient Pepita Seeds and Coconut Raw Chocolate Bark
