Duck Fat and Herb Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Light, crispy, herbaceous, and aromatic, these fill the house with their savory perfume of rosemary, sage, garlic, and onion. But some of the key flavor components come from the roasting fats: duck fat and ghee. Both are flavorful, heat-stable, and a welcome addition to any Thyroid Thriver’s kitchen.

Yum-factor aside, you can snack on roasted pumpkin seeds in good conscience. Pumpkin seeds have an amazing nutrition profile and are a great food to incorporate for optimal thyroid and overall health. They are a very good source of phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, and copper, and a good source of iron and zinc. They have a low glycemic index, and with the shells, 10 grams of protein per ounce. Kinda makes your potato chips jealous, huh?

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Chef's Tips: 

• If you are on a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diet, you may substitute extra virgin olive oil for both the duck fat and ghee.
• There is some debate about ghee (clarified butter), and whether or not it is truly dairy-free (or Paleo compliant). Most people who are sensitive to dairy can tolerate ghee and many Paleo experts recommend it. If you wish to avoid ghee, feel free to substitute extra virgin olive oil.

Have extra pumpkin seeds? Try this recipe next: Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Thyroid-healthy Recipe Highlights:

• Pumpkin seeds offer many key thyroid-supporting health benefits and nutrients, such as fiber to reduce constipation, anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and very high magnesium content.
• Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed kernels are a good source of zinc, which helps support memory, concentration, and the immune system, while also reducing the inflammation that can be associated with thyroid conditions. The zinc content of pumpkin seeds is 10mg/3.5 oz with shell, and 7–8 mg/3.5 oz without the shell.

 Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

More Thyroid-Friendly Snack & Starter Ideas:

• AIP Artichoke Dip with Garlic Scapes
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates
• AIP Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
• BLT Deviled Eggs
• Italian Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
• Dairy-Free Arugula Lemon Pesto with Beet Chips