Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are flat green seeds essential to Mexican cooking. They form the base of pipián verde, one of Mexico's mother sauces, and also feature in red pipián mole. They are dry-toasted on a comal and ground with chillies and spices. They are also enjoyed as a toasted snack with salt and chilli.
Estimated retail price
~£4.99 / 200g
Typical price at UK Mexican grocers
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How it's used in Mexican cooking
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas), part of the nuts and seeds section of the Mexican pantry, appears in more than 20 recipes in our collection, including Green Pozole, Green Pipián and Green Mole. Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes with Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Sopas Y CaldosGreen Pozole
StewsGreen Pipián
MolesGreen Mole
MolesRed Pipián
StewsPapadzules
TamalesBrazo de Reina (Yucatecan Pumpkin Seed Tamal Roll)
SaucesAtapakua (Purepecha Pumpkin Seed Sauce)
MolesChicken in Green Mole
DessertsPepitorias (Pumpkin Seed Brittle)
TamalesDzotobichay (Mayan Chaya Leaf Tamales)
SaucesSikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
DessertsToksel (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Sweets)
StewsPollo Tocatlán (Tlaxcalan Chicken in Green Pumpkin Seed Sauce)
Street FoodYucatecan Polkanes (Pumpkin Seed Masa Cakes)
StewsPepián de Res (Beef in Pumpkin Seed Sauce)
Street FoodPipián-Filled Corn Empanadas
StewsGreen Pumpkin Seed Pipián (Puebla)
StewsChicken in Pipián with Chayote
StewsPork in Red Pipián Sauce
MolesTurkey Mole Poblano with Rice
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Nuts and seeds keep best in an airtight container in a cool, dark place: because of their oil content, heat can turn them rancid. For longer periods, the fridge or freezer extends their shelf life considerably without affecting flavour.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)?
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) is used in more than 20 recipes in our collection, such as Green Pozole and Green Pipián. The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) in the UK?
You can buy Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Latin American grocers in the UK.
How should Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) be stored?
Nuts and seeds keep best in an airtight container in a cool, dark place: because of their oil content, heat can turn them rancid. For longer periods, the fridge or freezer extends their shelf life considerably without affecting flavour.
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