Pumpkins are inextricably linked to the autumn season – however these pretty winter squashes can undoubtedly pull their weight within the kitchen past pumpkin pie or decorations all through the autumn and winter. In case you’ve all the time discovered pumpkins unwieldy and tough to make use of, this information for what to do with an entire pumpkin will assist!

Well being Advantages of Pumpkins

As a card-carrying member of the winter squash household, pumpkin is an excellent supply of anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive vitamins like Nutritional vitamins A and C, in addition to zinc. It additionally has anti-oxidants and omega-3 fat, plus it’s been studied for its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.

The flesh is wealthy in fibre, an vital nutrient for good digestion, blood sugar steadiness and cardiovascular well being, whereas the seeds are excessive in an array of minerals like energy-boosting iron, zinc, plus manganese and copper to assist bone manufacturing and forestall free radical injury. The seeds are additionally a good supply of protein.

Why Not Use Canned Purée?

There could also be occasions when canned pumpkin is the straightforward and handy alternative. Nonetheless, there are some things to remember when selecting canned pumpkins:

• Pumpkin pie purée vs pumpkin purée: Watch out when shopping for canned variations to make sure you are getting the one you need. Pumpkin pie purée or combine is usually sweetened and has further spices akin to cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
• Bisphenol A: Most canned items are lined with bisphenol A, a chemical that disrupts the endocrine system and is related to infertility, hormone-related metabolic problems, and most cancers.
• What are you getting? Apart from chemical substances, preservatives or components which may be within the canned stuff, the US cans that say ‘100% pumpkin’ could additionally include different forms of squash. That is to assist make the canned purée extra thick and starchy in consistency, as generally pumpkins may be stringy. Whereas we’re completely down with winter squash, it’s good to know precisely what we’re getting at any time when we’re shopping for or consuming one thing! Whenever you prepare dinner a pumpkin, you realize for certain that what you’re getting is the actual factor.
• Worth/Amount: Retailer-bought pumpkin that is available in a BPA-free can is usually dear, and also you solely get a small quantity –  possibly 2 cups value. Whenever you bake and use your individual, you possibly can batch prep for a wide range of recipes, or freeze it for later.
• Waste discount: Cooking pumpkins from scratch results in much less waste, particularly with rising proof that not all containers may be recycled, that now we have extra recyclables than a variety of neighborhood methods can deal with, and many individuals aren’t recycling appropriately. Skipping the canned pumpkin and prepping your individual results in much less meals waste and a greater environmental footprint.

What to Do With a Entire Pumpkin

Selecting a Good Pumpkin

In case you’re not planning to carve it, there actually isn’t a necessity for a big 50-pound pumpkin. When you’ll actually get a variety of flesh and seeds from it, that measurement is far more tough to work with!

Select pumpkins that really feel heavy for his or her measurement, have agency skins and don’t have any smooth or moldy brown spots. We like to make use of pumpkins which can be smaller, particularly in case you’re new to cooking and consuming pumpkins! Three to 5 kilos is an efficient place to begin, after which you possibly can select bigger pumpkins while you’re extra comfy with dealing with them.

Utilizing the Flesh

• Earlier than you get began, guarantee you’ve got a well-sharpened knife and a strong slicing board to maintain the pumpkin regular as you chop. We advocate brushing up in your knife expertise and knife security first!
• If the pumpkin is on the smaller facet, lower a small slice on the backside so you’ve got a flat floor to maintain it from rolling and rocking.
• In case your pumpkin may be very powerful and tough to chop, pierce the flesh in a number of spots on a baking sheet and roast it within the oven complete. In case you’re making purée (see beneath) you possibly can roast for longer, or in case you simply wish to soften it, then bake for 10 minutes or so, till the pores and skin can yield to your knife.

To chop and prepare dinner into purée:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 levels.
2. Lower your pumpkin in halves or quarters, relying on the scale.
3. Scoop out the seeds and save them to roast as a snack (see beneath).
4. Place the items cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment. You possibly can brush a little bit of heat-safe oil onto the halves in case you’d like.
5. Roast for 45 minutes or so, till the flesh is smooth and tender and may be simply pierced with a fork.
6. When the pumpkin is cool sufficient to deal with, scoop out the flesh and mash it, or toss it into your meals processor in case you don’t really feel like mashing it by hand.

To chop and prepare dinner into complete cubes for recipes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 levels.
2. Lower your pumpkin into quarters.
3. Scoop out the seeds and save them to roast as a snack (see beneath).
4. Slice the pores and skin off if desired (we like to do that!).
5. Lower the quarters into smaller chunks. Smaller cubes will prepare dinner or roast quicker than bigger chunks. The scale you select will rely upon the recipe – you might have considered trying bigger wedges to function a facet dish, or smaller ones to steam or roast for smoothies. You possibly can seize a visible of chopping pumpkin on this video.
6. Both use instantly for the recipe you’re cooking, or stash within the fridge or freezer to prepare dinner later.

Saving and Roasting the Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds make an incredible snack, and are sometimes a very good various to nuts for these with nut allergy symptoms or for college lunches. Right here’s how you can do it:

1. Comply with steps 1 or 2 above, scooping the seeds from the flesh.
2. The flesh will likely be stringy and sure cling to the seeds. We wish to soak the seeds for half-hour to an hour or so in chilly water, then pull any remaining flesh from the seeds.
3. Preheat the oven to 325 levels.
4. Season the seeds to style together with your favorite herbs and spices.
5. Unfold the seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or a bit longer if wanted, till the seeds are dry. Watch them fastidiously beginning on the 10-minute mark in order that they don’t burn.
7. To make pumpkin seed butter: skip the herbs and spices and dry the seeds plain. You’ll want at the very least 2-3 cups of seeds, so it’s possible you’ll have to retailer and save your seeds to make the butter when you’ve got sufficient of them! Then whirl them in your meals processor till they break down and turn into clean and creamy.

The Pumpkin as a Vessel

You possibly can toss your pumpkin pores and skin into the compost when you hew the flesh and the seeds; nevertheless, you too can use it as a cooking vessel! Use it as a tureen for soups and stews, lower it in half and stuff it with grains, veggies, nuts, seeds or dried fruit, or fill it with dips and spreads as an alternative of utilizing a serving bowl. For the latter, smaller pumpkins are inclined to work higher!

Use These Pumpkin Guts!

Whenever you scoop out the seeds out of your pumpkin, you possibly can collect the stringy, fibrous bits between them in your recipes. Use the ‘pumpkin guts’ for broth, juicing, baking, dips and spreads, and extra.

You Can Eat Pumpkin Leaves, Too

Bored with spinach and kale? Pumpkin leaves depend as a darkish leafy inexperienced and you need to use them in the identical means – in salads, soups, stews or stir-fries. Simply make sure you use the younger leaves, as older pumpkin leaves flip bitter and tough.

pumpkin Recipe Inspiration

Feeling impressed to prepare dinner with an entire pumpkin from scratch? Attempt a few of these concepts: