Best Maple Chai Spiced Pepitas Recipes

MAPLE-ROASTED DELICATA SQUASH SALAD WITH SPICED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Trim and discard both ends of the delicata squash and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove the seeds from the squash and discard. Place the squash cut-side down and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. Toss the squash with the maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet until evenly coated. Spread evenly and roast until tender and beginning to brown, 20 to 22 minutes.
• While the squash roasts, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas, hot smoked paprika, remaining 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the pepitas begin to pop, become fragrant and start to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer the spiced pepitas to a small heatproof bowl.
• Whisk together the sherry vinegar, shallot, Dijon, garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl until smooth and combined. Slowly whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
• Toss the frisée with both lettuces in a large serving bowl. Add the majority of the spiced pepitas, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese crumbles, reserving some of each for garnish. Evenly drizzle the dressing around the rim of the bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Add the roasted squash and toss to combine. Garnish with the remaining pepitas, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese and serve.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PEPITAS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the seeds and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and dry on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Pat the seeds dry with a paper towel once more. Dump and scatter the seeds onto a baking sheet and toss with the oil, some salt and the seasoning if using. Arrange the seeds in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until puffy and light golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes (you will also hear them pop in the oven). Let cool on the baking sheet.

GLAZED CARROTS WITH PEPITAS

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced carrots in butter and 3/4 teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper, 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon each cider vinegar and dark brown sugar. Cover and simmer until tender, 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once. Add 1 tablespoon butter and simmer, uncovered, until glazed, 3 to 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper; top with pepitas.

SPICED PEPITAS AND PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and water until frothy. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, salt and cayenne. Stir the sugar mixture into the egg whites, then add the pepitas and pecans. Toss until the nuts are completely coated.
• Evenly spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until crispy. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

SPICED PEPITAS

Steps:

• Stir together pepitas, lime juice, chili powder, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Heat pepitas in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until toasted, about 4 minutes.