Beyond its role as a decorative jack-o’-lantern, the sugar pumpkin shines as a key ingredient in a plethora of delectable dishes. In this article, I’ll instruct you how to cook pumpkin in 3 different ways.
1. How To Cook Pumpkin in Oven
1.1. How To Bake Pumpkin Halved
Ingredients
- 1 sugar pumpkins, halved and seeds removed
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the pumpkin halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Next, brush the pumpkin flesh with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Once baked, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the flesh from the skin. The flesh should be soft and easy to separate from the skin.
You can now use the baked pumpkin flesh in various dishes or puree it for a smoother texture.
If you want to make puree pumpkin, transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh to a food processor or blender. Process the pumpkin flesh until it becomes smooth and creamy. After blending, taste the pumpkin puree and adjust the seasoning according to your preference
1.2. How To Roast Pumpkin Cubes
Ingredients
- 1 sugar pumpkin
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt and pepper
Instructions
Wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Next, cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Then continue cut the pumpkin halves into bite-sized cubes.
In a mixing bowl, toss the pumpkin cubes with a drizzle of olive oil. The oil helps the pumpkin caramelize and prevents it from drying out during roasting.
Sprinkle the pumpkin cubes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional seasonings like dried herbs, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the pumpkin cubes for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. About halfway through the roasting time, give the pumpkin cubes a gentle stir to ensure even cooking.
Test the pumpkin cubes for doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced but still hold their shape.
Once the pumpkin cubes are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish
You can serve the roasted pumpkin cubes as a side dish or using them in other dishes, such as salads, pasta dishes, risottos, or as a topping for soups.
2. How To Cook Pumpkin in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 sugar pumpkin (1/2 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Prepare the Pumpkin
Wash the pumpkin thoroughly.
Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. You can save the seeds to roast later if you’d like!
Cut the pumpkin halves into bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference. This will help the pumpkin cook evenly and get crispy edges.
Season the Pumpkin
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss the pumpkin cubes in the seasoning mixture until they are well coated.
Air Fry the Pumpkin
Arrange the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
Check for Tenderness and Crispiness
After 15-20 minutes, check the pumpkin for tenderness by inserting a fork into the flesh. It should easily slide in.
Serve
Once cooked, remove the roasted pumpkin cubes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Serve them hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
3. How To Cook Pumpkin in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium pumpkin
- Optional: Salt, pepper, and butter for seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the Pumpkin
Wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Next, cut the pumpkin in half using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon. You can save the seeds for roasting if you’d like.
Microwave the Pumpkin
Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish. This helps create steam to cook the pumpkin.
Cook in the Microwave
Microwave the pumpkin on high for 7-10 minutes for small halves or 10-15 minutes for medium halves, depending on your microwave’s wattage.
The cooking time may vary, so check for tenderness by poking a fork or knife into the flesh. The pumpkin should be soft and easily pierced.
If needed, continue microwaving in 2-3 minute intervals until the pumpkin is tender.
Optional: Seasoning
Once the pumpkin is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave (it will be hot!).
Scoop out the flesh and discard the skin (it should peel away easily). You can now season it with salt, pepper, and a little butter, or add it to soups, pies, or other dishes.
Serve
Your microwave-cooked pumpkin is now ready to serve! It can be mashed, pureed, or used in any recipe that calls for cooked pumpkin.
I hope that after reading this article, you knew how to cook pumpkin in 3 different ways. With cooked pumpkin, you will have a versatile ingredient ready to elevate a wide range of recipes, from soups and sauces to baked goods and desserts.
