Add ground pumpkin seeds for gluten-free, healthy shot to dishes. Sprinkle over salads, vegetables, or switch in for breadcrumbs.
My pantry is still going through a serious makeover as boxes full of ingredients I can’t pronounce are being tossed. Processed foods are being exchanged for whole foods; or in some cases, just less processed ones -- Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all, and neither is creating how I want to eat for the rest of my life.
Just like building Rome, or so I imagine, I had to get the lay of the land before setting my foundation. Of prime consideration is how I live my life: I travel and eat out quite a bit; am married to a carnivorous maximus who still expects to see meat on the plate; and periodically cook for a new extended family which includes grandchildren with food opinions. In other words, this new way of flexitarian/vegetarian eating I’m determined on must be realistic, sustainable, and flexible. Otherwise it just won’t work.
Revamping the pantheon of pantry helpers in my kitchen has been part of laying that foundation. I’ve written about some of them here, but I’m really excited about this new addition to the group: pumpkin seed meal made from ground pumpkin seeds. Now this might seem like a really small thing, and admittedly it’s barely a recipe, but you’d be surprised how many ways its faintly nutty flavor amps up a dish while ushering in all kinds of health benefits. And it reminds me anew how small things can make such a difference to a day.
Rescuing a spider hopelessly trapped in a bathtub, as it attempts, Sisyphus-like, to climb out.
Walking to lunch instead of driving.
Finding out the car in front of you paid your bridge toll (not insignificant, these days).
A quick story. Years ago, pre-rollerbags, I dragged an over-packed suitcase through downtown Pittsburgh on my way to my dad’s office. I was hunched over the bag, scraping it across the sidewalk, wondering why on earth I had packed so many clothes, and not at all happy about the warm, sunny day. A complete stranger, witnessing my struggle, and perhaps more of my legs than intended, offered to carry it for me. That simple, genuine offer lifted my day immeasurable, and obviously stayed with me.
This pumpkin seed meal is that helping hand. I’ve toasted it and made it into a roux to thicken stews and posoles; scattered a bit over salads; and switched it in for breadcrumbs in recipes to make it gluten-free. Come on back later this weekend to see a recipe I’ll be posting for Quinoa Potato Cakes Florentine that incorporates this new pantry item.
Next I want to try baking with it. I think it would make an awesome bread.
A Helping Hand
Ingredients
- 1 bag of shelled pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Place the pumpkin seeds in a small food processor or spice grinder. Whirl like crazy until it becomes a thick meal.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To see my other pantry friends, look at the Pantry tab and see what’s there. Or just click on any of the below links to go to a recipe.
Chipotle Spice Mix that’s good for both veggies and Myles’ steaks and pork chops
LiztheChef
Your creativity in the kitchen continues to "wow" me, Susan!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Oh Liz, thanks so much 🙂 You always know how to put a smile on my face.
gluttonforlife
Excellent, thought-provoking post, Susan, and a great tip as far as the pepitas (as I call them). They're a staple in my pantry but I see I haven't maxed out their usefulness. As for the carnivorous maximus--isn't he sort of a captive audience? Unless he's going to cook, he'd better be grateful for whatever you put on his plate...
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I would love to hear what additional uses you come up for the pumpkin seed meal if you make some, Laura! And my CM lacks that gratefulness response if he doesn't see meat - but we're working on that, and I cracked up when I saw your comment. He has in fact resorted to buying meat to make sure he gets some, and will make it himself if need be. It's all a work in progress I suppose 🙂 For awhile I thought I'd call my blog Steak and (K)ale because I eat so much kale and he eats so much beef....
David Waugh
Try ground seeds - pumpkin, sunflower, etc - on no-fat plain Greek yoghurt with sliced banana or strawberry then drizzled with Yacon syrup. Healthy does not mean yummy-free!
Norma Chang
Pumpkin seeds meal such a creative use of pumpkin seeds, I use it whole but your making it into meal and use it in place of flour is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Norma! If you like pumpkin seeds / pepitas, then you will like the meal form of it too. I'd love to hear any uses for it you come up with it too!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Well, my pantry is much the same, so I'm using this in the figurative sense. One cupboard is dedicated to all things baking, dried beans, and grains. One is for spices, oils and vinegars, and some canned things I keep around - like canned tomatoes for when I run out of my own. And I have an entire shelf dedicated to chocolate 🙂 My biggest problem is I need a bigger refrigerator and freezer...
Mare
Susan, I love this post! I will be back in a couple of weeks and we should g et together!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I would love to, Mare!! We were gone a lot of February, but am home now and loving it. We head back to Tahoe end of the month, but will be around all of April (at least so far). Would LOVE to get together! Drop me an email when you're back in town!
Julie @SavvyEats
I LOVE that you've added a pantry tab!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Julie!! Hope you're having a great weekend!
Liz
I've never thought of using pumpkin seeds in anything beyond garnish or in a seedy snack mix. Thanks for the inspiration!
Fitoru mct
I love eating roasted pumpkin seed as a snack while working. I have seen other recipes on pumpkin seeds but haven't tried it before.