The Perfect Pumpkin Hot Pot: Cooking Time Revealed

Cooking a pumpkin hot pot is a great way to make a tasty, mildly spiced, vegetarian curry. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pumpkin and the method used, but it typically takes around 20 minutes to cook a whole pumpkin in an Instant Pot.

To make a pumpkin hot pot, you'll need a few simple ingredients like pumpkin, onion, coconut milk, and spices. You can also add in chickpeas or garbanzo beans for some extra protein. The basic steps involve sautéing the onion and spices, adding the pumpkin and other ingredients, and then simmering until the pumpkin is tender.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal, why not give pumpkin hot pot a try? It's a great way to enjoy the flavours of autumn and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences.

How to cook a whole pumpkin in an Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 small sugar or pie pumpkin (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup of water

Method:

First, wash off the outside of your pumpkin and break off the stem. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot inside the inner pot and pour over 1 cup of water. Place the whole unpeeled pumpkin on the trivet.

Lock the lid, turn the steam release vent to 'sealing', and using the manual setting, adjust it to cook for 15 minutes at High Pressure for a 2.5-pound pumpkin, about 12-13 minutes for smaller pumpkins, and add a little more time for bigger pumpkins. You may need to remove the stem to make it fit in your pot, but you can leave the stem on if it fits.

When the cook time is up, open the vent right away (quick release). To test if the pumpkin is cooked, you should be able to very easily slide a small sharp knife through the skin and into the pumpkin. If it’s not cooked, simply cook it for another 5-6 minutes at high pressure.

When the pumpkin is fully cooked, some of the skin should be slipping off. Once it's cooled enough to handle, you can remove the rest of the skin, seeds, and fiber. The pumpkin skin should be partly peeling and sliding off already so watch it doesn’t slide off the trivet and onto the floor when you lift it out.

Next, put the pumpkin onto a chopping board and pull off the skin, then cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds and fibers and wash and save them to bake later in the oven—they make a great snack!

You can make soup with the puree, Paleo Pumpkin Pie, or simply mash it with butter, salt, and pepper and serve it with your dinner.

How to roast a pumpkin

Roasting a pumpkin is a great way to prepare this versatile vegetable, which can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and is a good way to prepare it for use in soups, pies, and other recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide to roasting a pumpkin.

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

First, you will need to cut your pumpkin in half. You can do this by carefully using a sharp chef's knife and a back-and-forth sawing motion. You may wish to slice a sliver from the stem side first if you don't want to cut through it, as this can be difficult.

Once you have halved the pumpkin, use a large metal spoon to remove the seeds and pulp. You can save the seeds to roast later if you wish. If some of the pulp is stubborn, you can use kitchen scissors to cut it away.

Step 2: Season the Pumpkin

Now it's time to season your pumpkin. You can brush the flesh with oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, to lock in moisture and help the edges caramelize. You can also sprinkle the flesh with a little salt. Place the pumpkin halves flesh-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pierce the skin a few times with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.

Step 3: Roast the Pumpkin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Place the pumpkin in the oven and roast for 45-50 minutes. You will know it is done when the skin is tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Puree the Pumpkin (Optional)

If you wish to make a pumpkin puree, allow the pumpkin to cool slightly, then scoop the flesh from the skin and add it to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until creamy and smooth, adding a little water if needed.

Storing and Serving

Roasted pumpkin can be served as a side dish or used in recipes such as pumpkin pie, soup, or pasta sauce. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to one month.

How to cook pumpkin cubes

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, curries, soups, desserts, and baked foods. Here is a guide on how to cook pumpkin cubes in various ways.

Roasted Pumpkin Cubes

Roasting is a great way to cook pumpkin cubes, enhancing their natural sweetness and resulting in a delicious side dish. Here are the steps to roast pumpkin cubes:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F and place an oven rack in the lowest position. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper.
• Wash and dry a sugar pumpkin, then microwave it for about a minute on high to slightly soften it.
• Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the pumpkin in half. You can slice a sliver from the stem side first if you want to keep the stem intact.
• Remove the pulp and seeds using a large metal spoon. You can save the seeds to make roasted pumpkin seeds if desired.
• Cut each pumpkin half into four 1-inch-thick moon-shaped slices, discarding the ends.
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin off the pumpkin slices, then cut each slice into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the pumpkin cubes in a large bowl and add extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter. You can also add seasonings like kosher salt, garlic powder, and chili powder or smoked paprika. Toss the pumpkin cubes to coat them evenly with the oil or butter and seasonings.
• Arrange the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Roast the pumpkin cubes in the oven for about 30 minutes, tossing them halfway through, until they are tender and lightly browned.

Stir-Fried Pumpkin Cubes

Stir-frying is another popular method for cooking pumpkin cubes, especially in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Here are the general steps to stir-fry pumpkin cubes:

• Cut a butternut pumpkin into 1-inch cubes.
• Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the pumpkin cubes to the hot oil and stir-fry them until they are lightly browned and tender.
• You can also add other ingredients like garlic, onions, or meat to the stir-fry, depending on your recipe.
• Season the stir-fried pumpkin cubes to taste and serve them as a side dish or add them to curries or other dishes.

Steamed Pumpkin Cubes

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavor and nutrients of pumpkin cubes. Here are the steps to steam pumpkin cubes:

• Fill a wok or saucepan one-third full with water and bring it to a boil.
• Place the pumpkin cubes in a steamer basket and set the basket over the boiling water.
• Cover the wok or saucepan and steam the pumpkin cubes for about 10 minutes, or until they are almost tender.
• You can also microwave pumpkin cubes: place washed pumpkin cubes in a shallow heatproof, microwave-safe dish, cover, and cook on high for 4-6 minutes, or until tender.

Boiled Pumpkin Cubes

Boiling is a simple way to cook pumpkin cubes, which can then be mashed or added to various dishes. Here are the steps to boil pumpkin cubes:

• Cut a butternut pumpkin into 1-inch cubes.
• Place the pumpkin cubes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them by about 2.5 cm.
• Bring the water to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.
• Simmer the pumpkin cubes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are very tender.
• Drain the cooked pumpkin cubes in a colander and return them to the hot saucepan to steam dry.
• For a smooth pumpkin mash, transfer the drained pumpkin cubes to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also add a sweetener like honey to taste.

How to cook pumpkin in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 Sugar Pumpkin or Pie Pumpkin (about 2.6lb)
• 1 cup of water

Optional:

Trivet with handles (the one that comes with your Instant Pot)

Method:

• Place the trivet inside the inner pot of your pressure cooker and add one cup of water.
• Put the whole unpeeled sugar pumpkin on the trivet. You may need to remove the stem to make it fit in your pot, but you can leave it on if it fits.
• Lock the lid, turn the steam release vent to 'sealing', and using the manual setting, adjust it to cook for 15 minutes at High Pressure for a 2.5lb pumpkin, about 12-13 minutes for smaller pumpkins, and add a little more time for bigger pumpkins.
• When the cook time is up, open the vent right away (quick release).
• To test if the pumpkin is cooked, you should be able to very easily slide a small sharp knife through the skin and into the pumpkin. If it's not cooked, simply cook it for another 5-6 minutes at high pressure.
• When the pumpkin is fully cooked, some of the skin should be slipping off. Once it's cooled enough to handle, you can remove the rest of the skin, seeds, and fiber.
• The pumpkin is now ready to be used in a variety of dishes, such as soup, Paleo Pumpkin Pie, or simply mashed with butter, salt, and pepper to serve with your dinner.

Tips:

• Choose the right type of pumpkin: For best results, don't use the big stringy jack-o-lantern pumpkin. Stick with the smaller "pie pumpkins" or "sugar pumpkins" that are available in fall.
• Save the seeds: You can save the seeds if you want to dry them out and bake them in the oven later. They make a great healthy snack!

What to do with cooked pumpkin

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for what to do with cooked pumpkin:

Savoury dishes

Pumpkin works well in soups and stews. For a simple pumpkin soup, blend cooked pumpkin with stock and spices, and serve with toasted pumpkin seeds on top. You could also try a slow-cooked pumpkin and bacon soup, or a harvest pumpkin soup with an immersion blender. Alternatively, make a beef and pumpkin stew, or a chilli with pumpkin, beef and black beans.

Pumpkin can also be used to make a savoury galette. Try a pumpkin, fennel and Taleggio galette with buttery, flaky puff pastry. Or, for a vegan option, stuff and bake a pumpkin with rice, fennel, apple, pomegranate seeds and pecans.

For a more substantial meal, pumpkin can be added to pasta dishes. Try a creamy pumpkin pasta with pine nut gremolata, or pumpkin pasta alla vodka with chilli for a deep flavour. You could also make pumpkin cannelloni with a sage brown butter sauce, or pumpkin and cream cheese-stuffed pasta shells.

Pumpkin also works well in rice dishes. Try a spicy Indian rice served inside a pumpkin for a dramatic centrepiece, or a risotto with pumpkin, Parmesan, rosemary and porcini mushrooms.

Sweet dishes

Pumpkin is a classic ingredient in pies and tarts. For a traditional option, try a pumpkin pie with a gingersnap cookie crust, or a best-ever pumpkin pie with stem ginger cream. Or, for something more creative, try a chocolate swirled pumpkin tart, or pecan-pumpkin pie with a cream cheese glaze.

Pumpkin can also be used to make cakes and muffins. Try a spiced pumpkin cake, or a pumpkin and caramel cake with a dulce de leche filling. For a healthier option, make cinnamon-spiced pumpkin muffins, or pumpkin and cream cheese muffins with a cheesecake-like centre.

For a special breakfast or brunch option, try pumpkin spice latte monkey bread, or pumpkin-spiced buns with a spiderweb glaze. You could also make pumpkin cinnamon rolls, or pumpkin spice syrup to add to lattes and milkshakes.

Finally, pumpkin can be used to make sweet treats such as cookies and cheesecakes. Try soft pumpkin cookies, pumpkin crumb cake muffins, or pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Or, for something more indulgent, try no-bake pumpkin cheesecake, salted caramel pumpkin cheesecakes, or pumpkin pie cheesecake.

Frequently asked questions