Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Instructions Link to heading

Remove the basil leaves from the stems and place them in a blender together with the garlic cloves.
Blend until finely chopped.
Add the pumpkin seeds and Parmesan, then blend again until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the pumpkin seed oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and transfer to a jar.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes Link to heading

Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil are deeply tied to the flavors of Prekmurje, so this pesto feels a little like a regional twist on a classic idea.

Pumpkin Seed Spread with Pumpkin Seed Oil

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Instructions Link to heading

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a pan. If you like, you can also add a few extra seeds or nuts, such as pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
Let the seeds cool slightly, then place them in a blender or food processor. Do not grind them into powder, they should stay a little coarse.
Add garlic, pumpkin seed oil, salt, and, if you want a sharper flavor, some finely chopped pickled cucumbers and capers.
Blend briefly until you get a spreadable texture.
Serve as a spread on bread, as a topping for soups or sauces, or simply eat it by the spoonful.

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a pan.

Add garlic, pumpkin seed oil, salt, and, if you want a sharper flavor, some finely chopped pickled cucumbers and capers.

A while ago I saw a post asking what people actually do with pumpkin seed oil. If I had to list what I use it for, the answer would be: on all kinds of salads, in pumpkin soup, for baking bread, on cottage cheese, in meat spreads, even on ice cream and probably a few other things too.

Pumpkin Seed Oil on Aleš Lončar

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Instructions Link to heading

Notes Link to heading

Pumpkin Seed Spread with Pumpkin Seed Oil

Instructions Link to heading

Notes Link to heading