Avocado and Pumpkin Seed Salsa

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

The toasted pumpkin seeds give this salsa a great, crunchy texture.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (4 ounces)
2. 1 red bell pepper
3. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 1 red chile, minced
6. 3 large ripe firm Hass avocados, cut into 1/2-inch dice
7. Salt and freshly ground pepper 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate to cool.
2. Roast the bell pepper over a gas flame until charred all over. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 5 minutes. Peel, stem and seed the pepper; cut it into 1/2-inch dice.
3. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice with the garlic and chile. Stir in the pumpkin seeds, bell pepper and avocados. Season with salt and pepper and serve.