THE ULTIMATE SNACK
BBQ & HOP CIDER PUMPKIN SEEDS
When fall starts to set in or you’re craving a tasty savory snack, your first instinct is often to reach for the classic combination of beer and peanuts. At Cidre Joli Rouge, we love putting a new spin on traditions to offer you delicious, locally sourced culinary experiences.
Today, we’re sharing the ultimate recipe for your movie nights or pre-game gatherings on the couch: BBQ-seasoned pumpkin seeds, paired with the freshness and floral notes of our Joli Rouge Houblon.
Why does this agreement work so well?
Pumpkin seeds are rich and crunchy, and they soak up smoky and salty spices wonderfully. On the palate, the rich, salty flavor of this snack calls for a refreshing drink.
That’s where our Joli Rouge Houblon comes in:
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Balanced bitterness: Cold hopping adds a mild bitterness that contrasts with the salt in the recipe.
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Sparkling freshness: The fine bubbles cleanse the palate between each bite.
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Flavor Profile: The cider’s herbal and fruity notes enhance the smoky flavor of the BBQ spices.
Recipe: Crispy BBQ Pumpkin Seeds
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Air-drying time: 1 to 3 hours
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 30 to 45 minutes
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Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
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2 cups of fresh pumpkin seeds
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1 tablespoon El’ Salopard pork rub (or your favorite dry BBQ marinade)
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½ teaspoon coarse salt
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½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, depending on your tolerance for spice)
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1 dash of vegetable oil (to help the seasonings stick)
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1 can of ice-cold Joli Rouge Houblon cider
Preparation Steps
1. Drying (The Secret to Crispiness)
Rinse your pumpkin seeds thoroughly under cold water to remove the pulp. Then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and let them air-dry for about 3 hours. Pro tip: The drier your seeds are before going into the oven, the crispier they’ll be!
2. Preparing the rub
In a mortar and pestle, combine the dry BBQ marinade, coarse salt, and cayenne pepper. Grind everything into a fine, uniform powder. This step ensures that the spices coat each seed thoroughly.
3. Coating
Pour the dried pumpkin seeds into a large mixing bowl. Add a drizzle of oil and your spice blend. Mix well with a spatula until all the seeds are evenly coated.
4. Cooking
Preheat your oven to 325 °F (160 °C). Spread the seeds evenly on your baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and 100% crispy.
The service
Let them cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. Pour the seeds into your favorite bowl, open a can of Joli Rouge Houblon —served between 4 °C and 6 °C—and settle in comfortably on your sofa.
Enjoy your meal!
