Steaming Pumpkin: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Pumpkins are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and curries to soups, desserts, and baked goods. One popular way to cook pumpkin is by steaming it, which can be done in a few simple steps. First, choose a pumpkin that is designated for cooking, such as a Long Island Cheese pumpkin or a sugar pumpkin, as these tend to have more flesh and fewer seeds. Wash the pumpkin and remove the skin, seeds, and fibrous material. Cut the pumpkin into medium-sized pieces and place them in a steamer basket or rice cooker with a small amount of water. Bring the water to a boil and steam the pumpkin for around 10 to 30 minutes, or until tender. The steamed pumpkin can then be flavoured with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or raisins, or used in recipes such as pumpkin puree, soup, or baked goods.

How to prepare pumpkin for steaming

Preparing pumpkin for steaming is a simple process, and a great way to cook this versatile vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, choose the right pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin with dense, hard flesh, thick skin, and a dull skin colour. Pumpkins with bright yellow-orange flesh are a good choice, as they tend to be sweeter. Avoid any with blemishes, and make sure the stem is intact.

Next, wash the pumpkin thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on, as it is edible and packed with nutrients, but if you prefer, you can use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove it. If you are removing the skin, be sure to do so before cutting the pumpkin, as it will be easier to handle.

Cut the pumpkin in half, and use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy innards. Then, cut the pumpkin into pieces or 2-inch squares. If you are planning to make a pumpkin puree, you may want to cut the pumpkin into slightly larger chunks.

Now your pumpkin is prepared, it is ready to be steamed. You can use a steamer basket, or a deep plate, placed in a wok, saucepan, or pot with a small amount of water in the bottom. Place the pumpkin pieces on top, ensuring they do not touch the water, cover, and steam for around 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of your pumpkin pieces. The pumpkin is ready when it is soft and can be pierced easily with a knife or fork.

Finally, remove the pumpkin from the steamer and serve as a side dish, or use in a recipe such as soup, curry, pie, or mash. You can also puree the steamed pumpkin in a blender to make a smooth pumpkin puree, perfect for baking or freezing for later use.

How long to steam pumpkin

Steaming is a popular and healthy way to cook pumpkin, and it's super easy! The time it takes to steam a pumpkin depends on the size of your pumpkin and the size of your pumpkin chunks. A small pumpkin will take around 10-15 minutes to steam, while a larger one may need up to 30 minutes. If you're steaming pumpkin chunks, these will take around 10 minutes to cook, depending on the size. Try to keep the chunks a similar size so they cook evenly.

To steam a whole pumpkin, first, cut it in half and remove the seeds and pulp. You can then cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces if you like. Brush the pumpkin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the pumpkin in a steamer basket and cover with a lid. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-40 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft.

To steam pumpkin chunks, fill a pot with water so that it just touches the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the pumpkin chunks in the basket, cover, and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for around 10 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft.

How to flavour steamed pumpkin

Steamed pumpkin is a versatile dish that can be flavoured in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to flavour your steamed pumpkin:

Savoury options:

• Salt and pepper: Season your steamed pumpkin with a pinch of salt and a grinding of pepper.
• Spices: Add spices such as thyme, rosemary, curry powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg to your steamed pumpkin.
• Onions and garlic: Sauté some onions and garlic in a pan, then add your steamed pumpkin and toss to coat.
• Oils: Drizzle olive oil or another oil of your choice over your steamed pumpkin for a savoury finish.
• Salads: Add steamed pumpkin to a salad for a boost of flavour and texture. Try a roasted pumpkin salad with honey and balsamic dressing, or a grilled pumpkin salad with a sharp vinaigrette.
• Soups and stews: Use your steamed pumpkin as an ingredient in a soup or stew. Try a classic pumpkin soup or a pumpkin and tofu coconut curry.
• Stir-fry: Pumpkin cubes can be stir-fried and added to curries or other dishes.
• Rice dishes: Steamed pumpkin can be added to rice dishes such as risotto or biryani.
• Pasta: Use your steamed pumpkin to make a creamy pumpkin pasta sauce.
• Vegetables: Combine steamed pumpkin with other vegetables, such as carrots or roasted butternut squash.
• Protein: Serve steamed pumpkin alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or tofu.

Sweet options:

• Sugar and honey: Sprinkle sugar or drizzle honey over your steamed pumpkin for a sweet treat.
• Cinnamon: Add a dash of cinnamon to your steamed pumpkin for a warm, spicy flavour.
• Nuts: Top your steamed pumpkin with walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy, sweet finish.
• Fruits: Combine steamed pumpkin with fresh or dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries.
• Desserts: Use steamed pumpkin in desserts such as pies, cakes, cookies, or smoothies. Try a classic pumpkin pie or some pumpkin spice overnight oats.

What to serve steamed pumpkin with

Steamed pumpkin is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas on what to serve steamed pumpkin with:

As a Side Dish

Steamed pumpkin can be a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany a variety of main courses. It can be simply seasoned with salt and pepper, or flavoured with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or raisins to enhance its natural sweetness. Here are some main course options to serve with steamed pumpkin:

• Baked fish or grilled chicken
• Salads, such as a simple tossed salad or a heartier kale salad with pecorino, pepitas, and a homemade green goddess dressing
• Roasted meats, such as a roast chicken or beef
• Curries, such as a pumpkin and chickpea curry

In Recipes

Steamed pumpkin can also be used as an ingredient in various recipes. Here are some ideas:

• Soups and Stews: Pumpkin can be pureed and added to soups and stews, such as a creamy pumpkin soup or a hearty pumpkin peanut soup.
• Desserts: Pumpkin is commonly used in desserts, such as pies, cakes, cookies, and smoothies. Try a banana-less pumpkin pie smoothie or some pumpkin pancakes.
• Savoury Dishes: Steamed pumpkin can be used in savoury dishes like pumpkin tart, risotto, or pasta.

How to make pumpkin puree from steamed pumpkin

How to Make Pumpkin Purée from Steamed Pumpkin

Pumpkin purée is a versatile dish that can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. It can be used as a pie filling, in cakes and cookies, or even in soups and stews. Making pumpkin purée is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Choosing and Preparing the Pumpkin

Firstly, choose a pumpkin that is designated for cooking, such as a Long Island Cheese pumpkin or a sugar pumpkin. These varieties tend to have more flesh and fewer seeds than carving pumpkins. Look for a pumpkin that is free of blemishes, feels heavy for its size, and has dull skin.

Once you have selected your pumpkin, give it a thorough wash. Remove the stem and fibrous material from around the stem and the bottom of the pumpkin. You can then cut the pumpkin in half and use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy innards. If you plan on making a purée, it is best to peel the pumpkin to get rid of the tough skin. Chop the pumpkin flesh into medium-sized or 2-inch squares.

Step 2: Steaming the Pumpkin

To steam the pumpkin, you can use a steamer basket placed in a large pot or wok, or even a rice cooker. Fill the pot or wok with enough water to just touch the bottom of the steamer basket. If using a rice cooker, fill it with about an inch of water. Place the pumpkin pieces in the steamer basket, cover, and steam over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, or until tender. You can check if the pumpkin is cooked by sticking a fork into a cube; it should be soft when cooked.

Step 3: Making the Purée

Once the pumpkin is cooked, remove the steamer basket from the pot and pour the pumpkin chunks into a bowl. Allow the pumpkin to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend until you have a smooth and silky purée. You can add a little water if the mixture is too thick.

Storing Your Purée

Your homemade pumpkin purée can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for up to several months. Consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy, pre-portioned use.

Frequently asked questions