Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Oct 31, (THAINDIAN NEWS) With just hours left for the big Halloween treat, people across the world have been scrambling the web for the perfect menu on the big day. Considering that almost every household has already purchased and probably carved their pumpkins, many are left wondering what to do with the Pumpkin seeds. Though many people throw away the seeds thinking they are useless and inedible, few are aware that they make for excellent snacks. The cook is free to experiment with the spices as there is no fixed recipe for pumpkin seeds.

A recipe for the roasted pumpkin seeds requires one and a half cup of raw dry pumpkin seeds, two tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt. The oven needs to be preheated to 300 degrees seeds need to be tossed in melted butter and salt. The preparation needs to be spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Pumpkin seeds, unknown to many, offer a variety of health benefits and are rich in many nutrients including fiber, protein and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds also contain phytosterols, which have cholesterol lowering properties. So apart from satisfying the taste buds of people, pumpkin seeds make for some heart friendly snacks.

Another easy way to cook pumpkin seeds is to fry it in half a tablespoon of oil and add a pinch of salt to it. Peppermint, garlic powder, soya sauce or any other spice can be used to change the taste of pumpkin seeds as per requirement. However, most of the recipes commonly use butter in their pumpkin seeds recipes. Pumpkin seeds can be served either hot or cold with garlic paste.