Pumpkin Seed Salsa Recipes

TOMATO-AND-PUMPKINSEED SALSA

Steps:

• On the same griddle used for toasting the pumpkinseeds (or in the remnants of a charcoal fire), roast the tomatoes, turning as necessary, until they blacken on all sides and sizzle. Blacken the chili and the garlic at the same time (they will take less time than the tomatoes). Cool and peel the tomatoes and garlic.
• Put the tomatoes, salt, garlic and about 1/4 of the habanero in a food processor and purée; add 1/2 cup of the pumpkinseed powder and taste. Add more habanero and salt to taste, and more pumpkinseed powder as necessary to thicken, up to a cup or so.
• Serve with tortilla chips. (Or anything else.)

PUMPKIN SEED (PEPITA) SALSA

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• On baking sheet, spread pumpkin seeds in single layer and place under broiler for a minute or two, stirring once. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Remove from oven.
• Place New Mexico chili under broiler and cook, turning it over, until skin is charred. Cool and remove skin. Remove stem, cut in half and remove seeds, and chop chili.
• In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix.
• Can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• Serve cold or room temperature.

ROASTED CHICKEN WITH PUMPKIN SEED SALSA

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Combine 2 tablespoons of the oil with the cumin, coriander, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spiced oil all over the chicken pieces and place on a foil-lined shallow-rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the chicken is golden brown and crisp and a thermometer inserted into the thickest parts registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes.
• 2. Meanwhile, toast the pepitas in a large dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Cool and coarsely chop. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the cilantro, lime juice, chiles, onions, remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 3/4 teaspoon salt and toss together.
• 3. Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and serve with the bowl of salsa on the side, accompanied by Mexican rice and black beans.

PUMPKIN SEED SALSA

Steps:

• Cook chile, garlic, cumin, and pumpkin seeds in oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, stirring, until seeds pop, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer 3 tablespoons seeds with a slotted spoon to a bowl and reserve. Purée remaining seeds and oil with cilantro, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth.