Description
Deliciously tangy and spicy Lime Chili Pumpkin Seeds, roasted to crispy perfection with a zesty lime juice, sweet maple syrup, and a kick of Tajin chili-lime seasoning. These snackable pepitas make a perfect healthy treat or salad topping with balanced sweetness, heat, and crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) raw pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds, plump and clean)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred for best flavor)
- 2 tsp (6g) Tajin (chili-lime seasoning blend)
- ¼ tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt
- â…› tsp (0.5g) cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature ensures even roasting for a crunchy texture while preventing burning.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. This setup makes cleanup easier and stops the pepitas from sticking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the raw pepitas, maple syrup, fresh lime juice, Tajin, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix thoroughly to coat every seed evenly.
- Arrange the seeds: Transfer the coated pepitas onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them into a single, even layer to promote uniform roasting.
- Roast the pepitas: Roast the pepitas in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir halfway through the cooking time to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
- Cool the seeds: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pepitas to cool on the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Cooling on the pan enhances crispiness.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste; bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch but may affect freshness.
- Store cooled pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crunchiness.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Stirring halfway through roasting is essential to prevent burning and ensure even roasting.
