Savory umami pumpkin seeds.

I grew up never observing Halloween. My first trick-or-treating was as a college student with my now husband! When my daughters grew up, my husband, Alex, with nostalgic memories of his trick-or-treating days, wanted to create a fun evening.   Every year, we would buy pumpkins, clean out the seeds and make jack-o-lanterns. To me, the best part of this "tradition" was when the pumpkin seeds came out of the toaster oven, so crisp and savory that they could be eaten with the skin! For the longest time, the pumpkin seeds were flavored with salt until recently.  After discoving this natural, umami flavoring for these savory umami pumpkin seeds, I am sold.  It is addictive and the pumpkin seeds are SO delicious!

Tips for making savory umami pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin.

All pumpkins are edible.  There are some pumpkins with larger seeds than others.  However, they all make great tasting pumpkin seeds.  I usually choose the pumpkin for decoration and afterwards, repurpose it for the stomach!  

There is no easy way to clean pumpkin other than cutting it in half and pulling out the seeds from the pulp.  Wash the seeds in water and drain through a colander or sieve.

Seeds attached to the pumpkin.

Pumpkin with seeds attached.

Remove seeds from pumpkin.

Seeds with pumpkin pulp.

Cleaned pumpkin

Pumpkin meat for other dishes

Cleaned pumpkin seeds.

Cleaned pumpkin seeds.

Seasoning.

The key to this tasty pumpkin snack is the flavoring.  No, it's not salt but my favorite mushroom flavoring.  This seasoning makes ALL the difference.   Mushroom bouillon can be found in most supermarkets, especially Asian markets.  This can be a salt replacer and this all natural seasoning provides umami which enhances the overall taste of the seeds.

All natural mushroom seasoning.

All natural mushroom seasoning.

Marinate pumpkin seeds with mushroom bouillon.

Marinate pumpkin seeds with mushroom bouillon.

Bake the marinated seeds in the oven for an hour.  For easy cleanup, it helps when the seeds are placed on a baking tray lined with foil. The pumpkin seeds will not look white but slightly discolored due to the mushroom seasoning. When the seeds are ready, they will be stuck together. Use your hands  to separate the crisp seeds.  The seeds should feel dry and crisp.  Enjoy!

Crisp, savory pumpkin seeds.

Crisp, savory pumpkin seeds.

Savory umami pumpkin seeds.

SAVORY PUMPKIN SEEDS

Michelle Sam
Delicious savory pumpkin seeds packed with umami (flavor!)
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 200 grams
Calories 6 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Cut and remove seeds from pumpkin.
    Seeds attached to the pumpkin.
  • Wash and remove any stringy pumpkin bits.
    Remove seeds from pumpkin.
  • Strain through a colander.
    Cleaned pumpkin seeds.
  • Place in a bowl and sprinkle with mushroom bouillon.
    Marinate pumpkin seeds with mushroom bouillon.
  • Allow to "marinate" for at least ½ hour.
  • Place seeds on a foil-lined baking tray.
  • Bake at 350° F (177° C) for 1 hour until crisp and dry.
    Crisp, savory pumpkin seeds.
  • Separate individual pumpkin seeds and eat while crisp.

Nutrition

Serving: 10gCalories: 6kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 0.5mgIron: 0.1mgNet Carbohydrates: 0.1g
Keyword pumpkin
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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