Perfect Fall Paleo Snack: Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Paleo Snack Season

The leaves are starting to change.  The days are getting exponentially shorter, and the nights are getting colder.  The kids are psyched to be hitting the pumpkin patch and searching out that perfect pumpkin to turn into the baddest Jack-‘O-lantern in the neighborhood.  You have to confess… you are getting excited too.

As the family carves their pumpkins, don’t let those guts go to waste!  It’s the perfect time of year to make up a great fall snack for the entire family.  Not only are you using the freshly harvested pumpkin seeds from your scary gourds, you are also introducing the family to a Paleo diet friendly treat.  Even better, it gives you a chance to involve everyone in making a snack while carving your pumpkins.  Throw on some scary music and light some candles to get everyone in the Halloween mood...

Paleo Spicy Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Serves 10, as a snack

Ingredients:

• 3 cups raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp cooking fat, melted
• 1-1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with the melted fat, chili powder, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. The seeds do not need to be washed perfectly clean of the pumpkin flesh (just adds to the flavor and texture), but you may prepare them as you wish.
3. Spread on baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Let cool and serve.

Store the Spicy Pumpkin Seeds in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.  Most recipes call for a liquid vegetable oil, but good cooking fat will harden when chilled in the refrigerator, giving the seeds another texture, but leaving them absolutely delicious.

A Healthy and Versatile Paleo Snack

The great thing about pumpkin seeds is that they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and polyunsaturated omega-6 fats.  Keep in mind that those fats are very fragile and can go rancid quite quickly.  Always store in the refrigerator and use within one week.

Another great thing about pumpkin seeds is that the flavor goes well with many different seasonings.  If the spicy recipe is not for you, experiment and replace the chili powder and cayenne pepper with cinnamon or granulated maple sugar.  They are great with just salt as well.

Source: The Paleo Recipe Book, by Sebastian Noel