Pumpkin seeds are a real superfood, jam-packed full of protein, iron, zinc, magnesium and dietary fibre. The iron and protein make them particularly good for vegetarians. Not only that, but they’re super tasty, and you can flavour them to suit your mood!

Ingredients

• Pumpkin seeds
• Salt
• Paprika (or other seasoning of your choice)

How to make it…

First, wash the pumpkin seeds and remove any bits of pumpkin that might have got mixed in. I did this in a colander under running water.

Add to a pan of water with 1 tsp. of salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Bring seeds to the boil and simmer

Remove from the pan, drain using the colander, and pat dry.

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.

Spread the seeds out onto a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil. Massage the oil into the seeds and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and paprika.

Spread seeds onto a baking tray and add salt and seasoning

Cook for 5 minutes, remove from the oven and stir, then cook for another 5 minutes.

You can check the seeds are done by cracking one open – the insides should have a golden tinge to them.

Experiment with different flavours – try them just salt, add a hint of pepper, rosemary, or even something sweeter, such as brown sugar, cinnamon or mixed spice.

Serve in a bowl as an alternative to popcorn during movie nights, take to work as a healthy snack, or give them to your friends as gifts in little jam jars tied with a ribbon.

Serve in a bowl

Enjoy your new go-to healthy snacks!