Zero Waste Crackers with pumpkin seeds: healthy and tasty recipe

Welcome to a new edition of our column #Zero Waste in the Kitchen.!
Today we transform the pumpkin seeds, often removed during vegetable cleaning, in crispy and nutritious crackers.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in Plant protein, fiber, good fats and minerals such as magnesium and zinc, and with a little creativity they can become snacks, condiments or spreads, reducing waste in the kitchen without sacrificing taste.

Every seed counts: find out how to turn them into a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-prepare snack!

Nutritional benefits of pumpkin seeds

They are generally removed when we clean the pumpkin, but they are actually a real nutrient powerhouse: rich in vegetable proteins, fibers, good fatty acids and minerals such as magnesium e zinc. With a little’ imagination, pumpkin seeds can turn into healthy snacks, delicious toppings, and even spreads.

💡 With just a few ingredients you can turn pumpkin waste into a nutritious and tasty food.

Zero waste crackers with pumpkin seeds

A crunchy and tasty snack, perfect to enjoy alone or with hummus and cheeses.

Ingredients

• Inner seeds of 1 medium pumpkin (about 100 g)
• 150 g of wheat or wholemeal flour
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 50 ml of water (or as needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Spices to taste (paprika, rosemary, pepper...)

Preparation

1. Prepare the seeds
   Scoop out the seeds from the squash, separating them from the inner filaments. Rinse and dry them well.

2. Toasting the seeds
   In a nonstick skillet, toast the seeds over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring, until they turn golden brown.

3. Prepare the dough
   In a bowl, mix flour, salt, spices, oil and water until you have a firm dough.

4. Incorporate the seeds
   Add the toasted seeds and mix well.

5. Roll out and cut
   Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper to a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut into squares or rectangles and transfer to a baking sheet.

6. Bake in the oven
   Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 15-20 minutes, until the crackers turn golden and crisp.

7. Cool and serve
   Let them cool before enjoying.

💡 Suggestion: perfect as a hunger-breaking snack, to be spread with hummus or served with cheese.

More Zero Waste recipes and ideas

• Also discover the peels and the tufts of carrots at pesto or hummus.
• Try the crispy chips by cabbage leaves.
• For more anti-waste ideas read all Zero Waste articles.
• For an explosion of pumpkin flavor, try our Pumpkin Risotto.