Cooking pumpkin is a versatile and rewarding gastronomic experience, thanks to its soft consistency and sweet and slightly nutty taste.
Here are different ways to prepare it:
Roasted pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin into pieces, removing the peel and seeds.
- Arrange them on a baking tray, seasoning them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices of your choice such as rosemary, thyme or paprika.
- Cook in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 30-40 minutes, until the pieces are golden and tender.
- This method concentrates and intensifies the sweet flavor of the pumpkin, making it slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Boiled, boiled or steamed pumpkin
Cut the pumpkin pieces or slices and cook it in boiling salted water for about 15-20 minutes or steamed for 20-25 minutes, until it becomes tender. It is ideal for preparing pumpkin puree or as a base for soups and veloutés.
Squash cooked by methods such as boiling, boiling, or steaming is a versatile and healthy option.
Boiling/Boiling:
- Preparation: Cut the pumpkin into pieces or slices after removing the peel and seeds. Immerse it in a pan with lightly salted boiling water.
- cooking: Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkin becomes tender but not falling apart.
- Usage: Boiled squash is perfect for mashing and mashing, adding butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg for a rich, comforting flavor.
Steamed:
- Preparation: Cut the pumpkin into pieces and place them in a steamer basket.
- cooking: Cook over a pan of boiling water for about 20-25 minutes, until the pumpkin becomes soft.
- Usage: Steaming best preserves the nutrients and natural color of the pumpkin. It is ideal for warm salads, as an addition to risottos or to fill ravioli.
Common uses of boiled or steamed pumpkin:
- Pumpkin puree: Mash it and season it with butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Excellent as a side dish or base for pumpkin gnocchi.
- Soups and purees: Blend the pumpkin with vegetable or chicken broth for a velvety cream, enriched with cream or spices such as curry or ginger.
- Stuffed Pasta Filling: Use pumpkin as a filling for tortelli or ravioli, perhaps adding ricotta, parmesan and aromatic herbs.
- Base for desserts: Blend pumpkin to make cakes, muffins or biscuits, for an autumnal flavor and a smooth texture.
- Insalate: Add pumpkin to grain salads like quinoa or farro, with toasted walnuts, feta cheese and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Tasty side dishes: Toss squash with other roasted vegetables, season with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs.
- Baby Food: Pumpkin is great for children, thanks to its soft texture and sweet taste; can be mixed with other vegetables or cereals.
Remember that pumpkin boiled or steamed it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it ready to use for various preparations. These cooking methods enhance its natural flavor and make it easily adaptable to a wide range of dishes.
Pumpkin in a pan
- Cut the pumpkin into cubes.
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil with chopped garlic or onion, then add the pumpkin.
- Sauté for about 10-15 minutes, until the pieces are golden and tender.
- You can enrich with aromatic herbs or spices for a more intense flavor.
Fried pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin into slices or sticks.
- Bread it in flour, beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
This method creates a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
Microwave pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cook on high for about 10-15 minutes, until the pulp becomes tender.
It's a quick and easy method, suitable for purees or a quick side dish.
Grilled pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin into thick slices, season with oil and spices
- Grill for 5-10 minutes per side, until charred streaks form
Grilled squash is a flavorful and crunchy way to cook squash. Simply cut the squash into slices or cubes and grill on a grill or griddle for about 10 minutes per side, or until the squash is golden and crispy.
This technique gives a unique smoky flavor.
Pumpkin in soups and stews
- Add diced pumpkin to soups, broths or stews.
- Cook until the pumpkin is tender and integrates well with the other ingredients.
Pumpkin adds body and natural sweetness to preparations.
Pumpkin in desserts
Cook the pumpkin until tender, then blend it to obtain a puree.
Use the puree in dessert recipes such as cakes, muffins or biscuits for a unique flavor and moist texture.
