Magaz (noun.) also know as dried Pumpkin seeds in english is used in many traditional Indian recipes. Its utility in the preparation of foods has been mentioned in Ayurveda. It is nutty in flavour and can be sautéed in oil or roasted to be added to milkshakes and salads.
The famous combination of char magaz or four types (sometimes 5 types) of melon seed kernels - cantaloupe, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and watermelon seeds is believed to provide a great combination to prepare a nutritious curry.
The four types of seeds can be found in Mughlai cooking. Magaz seeds used in char magaz offer a rich supplement of vitamins and minerals to nourish brain. The paste of four or five magaz with ilaichi, dalchini, lavang and sukha dhania is used in preparer gravies. Also, it can be used to prepare thandai or other drinks with milk to get extra nourishment in summers.