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I’m going to keep this brief, because Jorge and I are on vacation in MEXICO!!! These Chile Lime Pepitas are made with just 4 ingredients, and they can be prepared in a matter of moments. Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are toasted in a dry pan, then hit with fresh lime juice, kosher salt, and chile powder. The resulting snack is spicy, salty and incredibly tangy. The type of tang the tickles the sides of your tongue as you chew. I love to eat these spiced seeds by the handful with an ice cold beer in the other hand. So tasty. Just be sure to have some napkins around, because your hands can get a little messy 😉
If you are interested in following Jorge and me as we adventure around Chiapas, Mexico, you can check us out on Instagram. This is me. And here’s Jorge. Continue reading for the recipe!
Chile Lime Pepitas
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup raw, shelled pepitas*
- Juice of 1 lime
- Ground Aleppo chile or other chile powder
- Kosher salt
Instructions
-
Warm olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pepitas, and cook, stirring frequently, until seeds are fragrant and start to brown (3 - 5 minutes).
-
Add lime juice (the pan will sizzle), a pinch of Aleppo chile and a pinch of kosher salt, stirring to combine. Take the skillet off the heat, and continue stirring until most of the lime juice cooks off. Taste the pepitas, and add more Aleppo chile and kosher salt to taste.**
Recipe Notes
*You can easily scale this recipe up by doubling the ingredients.
**If you find the pepitas to be a bit too tangy, you can balance the flavors with a little honey. But really, this snack should be packed with salt and tang.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
These remind me of the TJ’s chili lime nuts/snack mix but it’s DIY and that is awesome!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Averie! Yes it is similar, but these nuts are tangier.
sippitysup says
Viva la Mexico! PS I love the word Pepitas (don’t judge me)! GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Haha thanks Greg! I love the word too. That’s why I say pepita rather thank pumpkin seed 😉
Puja @ Indiaphile.info says
So simple and delicious! I love that you used Aleppo pepper. It’s my favorite! 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
I looooove Aleppo! Such a fun spice. Thanks Puja :)!
Barbara says
These look so tangy and crunchy I want a handful (or maybe four) right now! Pepitas rock.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Barbara ;)! They are addicting.
Gloria Corbit says
These do not look like regular pumpkin seeds. What name do you buy them under and where can you get them? Can you buy them already spiced up?
Brandon Matzek says
These are raw, hulled pumpkin seeds. I purchase mine at a local San Diego wholesaler called Specialty Produce, and I think they’re also available at Sprouts and Whole Foods. Trader Joe’s might have them too.
Gloria Corbit says
Thank you so much. This past week-end I went to a new International Market in Phoenix looking for already prepared ones. I didn’t find so I am really glad to have this information and the recipe. Chick-fil-A has a new Spicy Southwest Salad with the Lime Chili Pepitas in them – they make the salad. Thank you.
Brandon Matzek says
Enjoy! Let me know how you like them 🙂