Roasted Pumpkin Seeds on a Pellet Grill Using Manchester Barbecue Pellets

The type of pellet grill you use isn't the primary factor in achieving the perfect roasted pumpkin seeds. What truly matters is the quality of the wood pellets. The flavor imparted to the food comes predominantly from the pellets, making it essential to choose natural, high-quality pellets without artificial flavorings or additives. Many products found in big box stores are of inferior quality, often packed with chemicals, binders, or glues. It's crucial to ensure your pellet manufacturer guarantees the absence of these harmful substances. The market for wood pellets is largely unregulated, so always be cautious and informed. When choosing flavored pellets, be wary of brands that avoid disclosing the actual wood content in their products. Many use cheap woods or dirty wood waste, which might be suitable for heating but not for cooking. Always prioritize quality over brand name. 

Steps:

1. Preparing the Seeds

• As soon as you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, rinse them under cold water using a colander. Ensure you remove all the pulp and strings.
  • Ingredients: 1 whole pumpkin (seeds removed and reserved)

2. Oiling and Setting the Grill

• Lay the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, mixing them to ensure they're well-coated. Preheat your pellet grill to 180℉ (82 ˚C) and let it warm up with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. If your grill has a Super Smoke setting, use it for the best flavor.
  • Ingredients: Olive oil or vegetable oil (as needed)

3. Smoking the Seeds

• Place the baking sheet with the seeds onto the grill grate. Close the lid and let the seeds smoke for approximately 20 minutes.

4. Roasting the Seeds

• Generously season your seeds with salt. Adjust your grill's temperature to 325℉ (163 ˚C). Roast the seeds until they're toasted, which should take around 20 minutes. It's a good idea to check and stir the seeds after the first 10 minutes to ensure even roasting.
  • Ingredients: Kosher or sea salt (to taste)

5. Serving

• The seeds will have a brown hue due to the smoking process prior to roasting. Serve and enjoy the rich, smoky flavor!

Remember, the key to this recipe's success lies in the quality of the wood pellets you use. Always choose the best to ensure a delicious, natural flavor!