Description
A simple and delicious recipe for ranch-flavored pumpkin seeds, perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (approx. 120 g) raw pumpkin seeds, unsalted, fresh with green color
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 (0.4-ounce / 11 g) packet dry Ranch salad dressing mix
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by removing the seeds from the pumpkin pulp. Work with a small handful at a time, gently separating the seeds to avoid breaking them. Use only the clean seeds for roasting.
- Step 2: Spread the seeds evenly on a baking sheet and let them dry for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This drying step is crucial to achieve a crunchy texture when roasted; skipping it can result in chewy seeds.
- Step 3: Drizzle the dried pumpkin seeds with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss or stir to ensure each seed is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasoning stick and adds flavor.
- Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven at 350°F (177°C). Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning. The seeds should turn golden and crunchy.
- Step 5: After roasting, allow the seeds to cool slightly (around 10 minutes). Transfer them to a mixing bowl and add the dry ranch salad dressing mix. Stir until all seeds are evenly coated with the seasoning. Add salt to taste if desired.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping seeds dry and away from sunlight.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days to maintain crispness and slow oil rancidity.
- Freezing: Wrap the seeds tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If seeds are not crispy after roasting, ensure they are dried for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Stir seeds every 5 minutes while roasting to avoid uneven cooking and burnt seeds.
- If seeds lack flavor, add more ranch dressing mix after the seeds have cooled, adjusting seasoning to preference.
- For better seasoning adhesion, drizzle an additional ½ tablespoon of olive oil over seeds before mixing with the ranch powder.
- To prevent seeds from sticking together, store them in a single layer inside an airtight container.
- Serve alongside a fresh vegetable platter or baked pita chips for texture contrast.
- Pair with dips such as guacamole or hummus to add depth to the snack experience.
- Incorporate into a savory snack mix with nuts and pretzels for variety.
- Use as a crunchy topping on salads or soups for added texture and flavor.
- Sprinkle extra ranch dressing mix or drizzle hot sauce for additional seasoning and heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg