Roasted Sunflower Seeds Recipes

Not only are sunflower seeds good for you, but they’re also a lightweight, portable snack. Raw sunflower kernels have a slightly sweet, earthy, nutty flavor. Roasted sunflower seeds have a similar taste and a crunchier, crisper texture. Roasting the seeds is an easy process.

Why Roast Sunflower Seeds

An economical way to enjoy sunflower seeds is to make bulk purchases of sunflower seeds in shell. Raw sunflower kernels are an easy grab-and-go snack. Having a supply of them on hand allows you to roast the seeds anytime you have a craving for salty or spicy sunflower seeds. Preparing roasted sunflower seeds in shell at home puts you in control of how salty or spicy the roasted seeds are. It also lets you be creative with flavor combinations you can’t buy off the shelf. Not only are roasted sunflower seeds good for you, they’re a diet-friendly snack.

How to Prepare Roasted Sunflower Seeds in Shell

Before roasting sunflower seeds in the shell, put the seeds in a colander and rinse well. Remove the seeds and pat them dry before beginning the roasting process. To proceed with the process, put 2 quarts of water in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil and add 1 cup of sunflower seeds. Reduce heat to simmer. Let seeds simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Then drain the water and put the seeds on a paper towel to dry. Do not rinse them. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes. Stir the seeds often. When the seeds are fragrant and slightly brown, remove them from the oven. If you want to make unsalted roasted sunflower seeds, omit the stovetop steps and put the rinsed and dried seeds straight into the oven.

Seasoning Sunflower Seeds

Spicy sunflower seeds can be made using chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other warming spices. Dill, garlic, and onion are a good seasoning combination for sunflower seeds. Ranch seasoning and various herb seasonings are also great on sunflower seeds. Roasted shelled sunflower seeds with honey and cinnamon can satisfy a craving for a sweet treat./p>