These roasted pepitas are a masterclass within the brilliance of simplicity: two substances (plus salt and pepper) + quarter-hour of largely hands-off oven time, and also you get an outrageously nutrient-dense, salty-crunchy delight.

Toss a handful of those onto grain bowls, bathe your salad with them, or sprinkle on creamy soups or roasted veggies (they’d be superb on this broccoli and chickpea dish 👀). Or, simply scoop out a handful mid-afternoon to get your crunchy snack repair.

Certainly one of my meal prep MUSTS

I care quite a bit about texture, a lot in order that I devoted a complete chapter to it in my cookbook Massive Vegan Taste. Texture provides a lot selection and curiosity to meals—and crunch, particularly, is a texture the human mind is wired to crave. 

And the crunch of those delectable roasted pepitas means your mind may have you coming again for extra (and their dietary content material means your physique will thanks for it!). 

We meal prep these high-protein, iron-rich unhealthy boys each different week, alternating with roasted walnuts (that are decrease in protein and iron however greater in omega-3 fatty acids). 

This publish has numerous concepts for having fun with them, however it is best to be happy to achieve for them everytime you need a salty crunch and scrumptious pop.

Ingredient notes

Pepitas

Pepitas are pumpkin seeds, however not all pumpkin seeds are pepitas.

Pepitas (“little seeds of squash” in Spanish) are seeds that come from particular thin-skinned, hulless pumpkin varieties. They develop with out a husk, not like the shell-encased seeds you scoop out of your jack-o’-lantern.

They’re wealthy in protein, fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fat (the heart-healthy sort!).

Purchasing Tip

You will get pepitas at nearly any grocery retailer, however for the best possible taste, search out these pumpkin seeds produced from Styrian pumpkins (also referred to as European premium pumpkin seeds). They’ve a darker shade, making it tougher to judge after they’re achieved toasting, color-wise, however their taste is unbelievable. And 9g protein per serving! 💪🏽

Additional virgin olive oil

Tossing the pumpkin seeds within the tiniest little bit of oil pre-roast has two advantages: it retains the pepitas from drying out within the oven, and it helps the salt and pepper follow the seeds.

And I imply it once I say “the tiniest bit”—I’m speaking simply 2 ½ teaspoons for 1 ½ cups of pumpkin seeds!

Salt and pepper

When it comes to seasoning, this can be a case the place simplicity is king. Salt and pepper are actually all these pepitas want for taste!

Suggestions for making roasted pepitas

Keep watch over them in direction of the top

After roasting for the primary 8 minutes and tossing, roast for an additional 5 minutes. From there, it’s greatest to roast in 2-minute intervals as a result of (1) each oven is completely different and (2) this helps you get probably the most evenly browned seeds.

Belief your eyes—roast till they’re golden brown in most spots for the toastiest taste.

Maintain the seasonings easy

We examined these roasted pepitas with spice blends and, sadly, the spices give the pepitas a dry mouthfeel and scale back their crispiness. For one of the best texture, follow salt and pepper!

The right way to use these roasted pepitas

The quick reply? Any time your meal may use a crunch!

Soup topper

Salad topper

Grain bowl topper

Breakfast topper

• I sprinkle these over my yogurt & fruit bowls, in addition to chia pudding or oatmeal. Belief me on this one—the little bit of salt and pepper provides curiosity and distinction to those breakfasts that lean naturally sweeter. And be happy to sprinkle them over a savory oatmeal like this! 

Make path combine

• Path combine is a really private matter, however for an irresistible combo, combine collectively these roasted pepitas + dried cranberries/blueberries/cherries or chopped dates + chocolate chips 😋

Steadily Requested Questions

Have these roasted pepitas earned a spot in your meal prep routine? Depart a ranking and a evaluate beneath, and let me know your favourite approach to take pleasure in them! I at all times love listening to from you 🥰

Introducing

Massive Vegan Taste

Methods and 150 recipes to grasp vegan cooking.

• Organize a rack in the course of the oven and preheat to 350ºF / 175ºC. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

• In a bowl, mix the pepitas, oil, salt, and a beneficiant quantity of black pepper, tossing nicely to coat the pepitas within the oil.

• Unfold out on the lined sheet pan. Roast within the oven for 8 minutes, then toss the seeds round. Roast for an additional 5 to 11 minutes, or till toasty and golden brown.NOTE: I sometimes test at 7 minutes, then proceed roasting in 2-minute intervals till they’re golden brown in most spots (it often takes me the complete 11 minutes), however each oven is completely different and also you would possibly like them much less toasted.

• Rigorously switch the parchment paper to a flat floor to chill. As soon as cool, funnel into an hermetic container or jar and seal. Retailer within the pantry for 1 to 2 weeks.

1. If utilizing desk salt, use half the quantity: a scant ½ teaspoon. If utilizing Morton’s kosher salt or sea salt, use ½ teaspoon.

Serving: 2tbsp | Energy: 108.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.6g | Protein: 5.2g | Fats: 9.6g | Saturated Fats: 1.6g | Sodium: 96.5mg | Potassium: 137.9mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 9.1mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Diet info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.