Steaming Pumpkin: A Simple, Healthy Cooking Method

Pumpkins are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads, curries, and soups to desserts and baked goods. One way to cook pumpkin is by steaming it, which can be done in a few simple steps. First, prepare the pumpkin by washing it and removing the seeds and fibrous material. Then, cut the pumpkin into medium-sized pieces or cubes. Next, fill a pot or wok with water and place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water level is just below the basket. Place the pumpkin pieces in the basket, cover, and steam over medium heat for around 25-30 minutes, or until tender. Once cooked, the pumpkin can be flavoured with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or raisins, or used in various dishes such as pies, soups, or purees.

How to Steam Cook Pumpkin

Choosing the right pumpkin

Type of Pumpkin

When it comes to cooking, look for pumpkins labelled as "sugar pumpkins" or "pie pumpkins". These pumpkins are smaller and rounder, with sweeter, smoother flesh that is perfect for purees and pies. Some specific varieties to look for include Baby Pam, Autumn Gold, Ghost Rider, New England Pie Pumpkin, Lumina (which are white), Cinderella, and Fairy Tale. If you can't find these varieties, a butternut squash is a good alternative.

Avoid the large, decorative pumpkins commonly used for Halloween or carving jack-o'-lanterns. These pumpkins are usually bland, watery, and stringy when cooked.

Size and Weight

Smaller pumpkins are generally better for cooking, as they tend to be sweeter and less starchy. Aim for pumpkins weighing between 3 to 8 pounds. A heavier pumpkin relative to its size indicates a higher proportion of good-quality flesh.

Stem and Skin Condition

Look for a pumpkin with a well-attached, brown, dry stem. This indicates that the pumpkin is ripe and mature. Avoid using the stem as a handle, as it can break off, damaging the shell and making the pumpkin susceptible to rot.

Choose a pumpkin with firm, hard skin all over. Soft or bruised skin can lead to rotting. Visual imperfections like warts or bumps are usually fine as long as the skin is firm, as it protects the flesh.

Colour and Ripe Spots

While a deep, vibrant orange colour is often associated with ripe pumpkins, don't be too concerned if the pumpkin's colour is a bit dull. As long as there are no big bruises or soft spots, it's still good for cooking. The pumpkin's flesh will remain sweet and edible as long as the skin is unblemished.

Rotting and Bruising

Thoroughly examine the pumpkin for deep nicks, bruises, cuts, and soft spots, which are signs of rotting. Pay close attention to the bottom of the pumpkin, as it may have sat in wet soil for an extended period.

Sound

A fun way to test the quality of a pumpkin is by tapping it. Hold the pumpkin with one hand, place your ear next to it, and knock on its side with your knuckles. A good pumpkin will have a deep, hollow sound, and the louder the sound, the better.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect pumpkin for your steam-cooked dish!

Preparing the pumpkin for steaming

Once you have selected the right pumpkin, it's time to start preparing it. Begin by thoroughly washing the outside of the pumpkin to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a sharp vegetable peeler or a large chef's knife to remove the skin. While pumpkin skin is edible, removing it will ensure a smoother texture, especially if you plan to make a puree or soup.

After removing the skin, cut the pumpkin in half using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and stringy innards with a large metal spoon. You can discard the seeds or set them aside to roast as a snack. Now, you can cut the pumpkin into medium-sized pieces or cubes. The size of the pieces will depend on your preferred cooking time and desired texture. Smaller pieces will cook faster and produce a softer texture, while larger pieces may take longer to cook and retain some bite.

Finally, arrange the prepared pumpkin pieces in a steamer basket or a deep plate with a diameter that fits the bottom of your pot. If using a pot, place an attachment for steam cooking at the bottom, or use a deep plate as an alternative. Place the pumpkin pieces on top, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

How long to steam the pumpkin

The time it takes to steam a pumpkin depends on the size of the pumpkin pieces and the desired texture.

First, prepare the pumpkin by peeling it, removing the seeds, and cutting it into medium-sized pieces. Then, set up your steamer by placing a steamer basket in a large pot and filling the pot with water until it just touches the bottom of the basket. Place the pumpkin pieces in the steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Now, for the steaming time:

• Steam the pumpkin for about 10 minutes for pumpkin slices to be added to baked fish or grilled chicken, or used in pumpkin tarts. The pumpkin should be almost tender at this point.
• For pumpkin cubes to be used in soups, stews, or purees, steam for about 25 minutes or until tender. This longer steaming time ensures the pumpkin is soft and cooked through.
• Depending on the desired texture, steaming for up to 40 minutes may be required for fully cooked pumpkin.

It's important to note that the steaming time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your pumpkin pieces, so it's always a good idea to check for doneness by piercing a piece of pumpkin with a fork—it should be soft when cooked.

How to flavour steamed pumpkin

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

Savoury Options

If you're looking for a savoury side dish, steamed pumpkin can be seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some chopped fresh herbs like parsley. This simple preparation lets the natural sweetness of the pumpkin shine through while adding a savoury edge.

You can also try adding spices like cumin, paprika, or curry powder to your steamed pumpkin for an extra kick of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, try blending it into a hummus or dip with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.

Sweet Options

For those with a sweet tooth, steamed pumpkin can be flavoured with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or maple syrup. These additions enhance the pumpkin's natural sweetness and make for a delicious dessert option.

Another option is to create a sweet pumpkin mash by blending steamed pumpkin with maple syrup, butter, and a dash of nutmeg. This can be served as a side dish or used as a base for pumpkin-flavoured desserts like pies, cakes, or muffins.

Creative Combinations

For a unique flavour profile, try pairing your steamed pumpkin with ingredients like ginger, orange zest, or vanilla bean. These combinations can elevate your dish and make it truly memorable.

Additionally, consider serving steamed pumpkin with a tangy yogurt sauce or a savoury gravy, depending on your preference. The versatility of pumpkin means it can be adapted to suit almost any flavour profile.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative by combining different ingredients and spices to find a flavour that suits your taste.

Recipe ideas for steamed pumpkin

Steamed pumpkin is a versatile dish that can be used in a variety of recipes, from savoury to sweet. Here are some ideas for steamed pumpkin recipes:

Savoury Dishes

Salads

Steamed pumpkin can be added to salads to increase the fibre and vitamin content. Try a roasted pumpkin salad with honey and balsamic dressing, or a Thai or Vietnamese-style salad with a peanut satay dressing.

Curries

Pumpkin cubes are commonly used in Thai and Vietnamese curries. Try a pumpkin and zucchini sweet soy stir-fry, or a healthy pumpkin and tofu coconut curry.

Soups

Steamed pumpkin can be used as an ingredient in soups, such as a pumpkin soup with a twist. It can also be pureed to make a pumpkin cream soup.

Side Dishes

Steamed pumpkin makes a great side dish for baked fish or grilled chicken. It can be seasoned with salt and pepper, or flavoured with honey.

Tarts

Steamed pumpkin is a key ingredient in pumpkin tart recipes.

Sweet Dishes

Desserts

Steamed pumpkin can be used in a variety of desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and pies. Try a steamed pumpkin kuih, a savoury cake with mushrooms, dried shrimp, and shallots, or steamed pumpkin with shredded coconut, a Thai dessert.

Baked Goods

Steamed pumpkin can be used as a pie filling or in other baked goods, such as cakes and cookies. It can be flavoured with sugar, honey, cinnamon, or raisins.

Frequently asked questions