Using fresh pumpkin in your cooking can elevate your dishes with a natural sweetness and rich flavor that canned pumpkin just can’t match. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare and cook with real pumpkins, so you can enjoy the delicious taste of fall in all your favorite recipes.
About Fresh Pumpkin
Fresh pumpkins are not only great for carving into jack-o’-lanterns but also for cooking. They are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making them a healthy addition to your diet. When selecting a pumpkin for cooking, look for smaller varieties, such as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, which have a sweeter flavor and smoother texture than larger carving pumpkins.
How to Prepare a Fresh Pumpkin
- Choose the Right Pumpkin:
- Look for small, firm pumpkins labeled as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins.
- Wash and Dry the Pumpkin:
- Rinse the pumpkin under cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Cut the Pumpkin:
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the pumpkin in half vertically.
- Remove the Seeds:
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of the pumpkin.
- Peel the Pumpkin:
- Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to peel the skin off the pumpkin.
- Dice or Puree the Pumpkin:
- Cut the pumpkin into cubes for roasting or puree it in a food processor for use in recipes.
Recipes Using Fresh Pumpkin
1. Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced pumpkin with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the roasted pumpkin, vegetable broth, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Conclusion
Cooking with fresh pumpkin is a wonderful way to add seasonal flavor to your meals. Whether you’re making soup, pie, or another pumpkin-inspired dish, using fresh pumpkin will enhance the taste and texture of your recipes. So, next time you’re at the market, pick up a sugar pumpkin and give cooking with real pumpkins a try!
