SEEDS PUMPKIN RECIPES

Steps:

• Seed the pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Using a spoon, scrape the pulp and seeds out of your pumpkin into a bowl.
• Clean the seeds: Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp, rinse the seeds in a colander under cold water, then shake dry. Don't blot with paper towels; the seeds will stick.
• Dry them: Spread the seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet and roast 30 minutes to dry them out.
• Add spices: Toss the seeds with olive oil, salt and your choice of spices (see below). Return to the oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 20 more minutes.
• Sweet Toss with cinnamon and sugar (do not use salt in step 4).
• Indian Toss with garam masala; mix with currants after roasting.
• Spanish Toss with smoked paprika; mix with slivered almonds after roasting.
• Italian Toss with grated parmesan and dried oregano.
• Barbecue Toss with brown sugar, chipotle chile powder and ground cumin.

Steps:

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan, then gently cook 2 finely chopped onions for 5 mins, until soft but not coloured.
• Add 1kg pumpkin or squash, cut into chunks, to the pan, then carry on cooking for 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.
• Pour 700ml vegetable or chicken stock into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins until the squash is very soft.
• Pour 150ml double cream into the pan, bring back to the boil, then purée with a hand blender. For an extra-velvety consistency you can pour the soup through a fine sieve. The soup can now be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To make the croutons: cut 4 slices wholemeal seeded bread into small squares.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan, then fry the bread until it starts to become crisp.
• Add a handful of pumpkin seeds to the pan, then cook for a few mins more until they are toasted. These can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
• Reheat the soup if needed, taste for seasoning, then serve scattered with croutons and seeds and drizzled with more olive oil, if you want.