Pumpkin is a delicious food that integrates very well in many recipes. Moreover, depending on the type of pumpkin you choose, your dish will be even more delicious because each pumpkin has its own particularities.
On the one hand we have the peanut squash, also known as butternut or fiddlehead, which is the most versatile of all.
Then there is the roteña pumpkin, the classic pumpkin for roasting because it is very sweet and ensures memorable snacks and desserts.
And the third is the giant one known as carruecano, which are very large pieces of more than 20 kg that are usually bought in pieces. Its consumption is more common in northern Spain and the Canary Islands, although it is spreading to other areas such as Madrid and Barcelona.
In Peris we are producers of these three types of pumpkin, but in this article we are going to focus on the peanut pumpkin, which is the most consumed in our country. Consequently, it is the one that you will be able to find more easily in greengrocers and supermarkets.
And of course, whatever you choose, please choose a quality pumpkin. You will notice it in its texture, flavor and aroma. The difference between a pumpkin from the heap and a quality pumpkin is remarkable. If you choose Peris pumpkins, you can’t go wrong.
[Bonus]In this video you can learn how to choose a good pumpkin and we show you ways to peel it easily.
How to cook pumpkin
We don’t want to limit your creativity in the kitchen, not at all! But it does guide you so that without giving too many turns you can make delicious pumpkin recipes. That’s why we advise you to use pumpkin in three ways: boiled, roasted and raw. Let’s get to the details!
Boiled pumpkin, perfect for creams or casseroles
Pumpkin creams are a delight, because you can give them very different touches depending on the ingredients you choose to accompany it. The usual is to boil them all, as it is the fastest way to finish your pumpkin recipe.
There is a little secret, before adding the liquid (which can be water, broth or vegetable milk) turn it a few times in the pot with a few drops of oil so that its flavors are toasted and stand out. If you are going to incorporate spices, do it also at that moment so that the aromas are better impregnated.
Once you add the liquid, let it boil for about 20 minutes, or until you see that the pumpkin is tender.
If instead of a cream you want to make a stew that is more nutritionally complete, we advise you to incorporate legumes (lentils, chickpeas or beans, for example) that have already been boiled. Add them to the pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Baked pumpkin, to enhance the flavor of your recipes
Roasting the peanut squash is a good option if we want to enhance the flavors. In the oven, roasting allows the pumpkin’s flavors to concentrate, so that if you want to make a cream, its flavor will be much stronger. And the truth is that the result is delicious.
To prepare a cream with baked pumpkin, you can choose between two options, roasting all the ingredients of your recipe to obtain the same result with all of them. Or you can roast just the pumpkin.
You can put the pumpkin in the oven cut in half or chopped. We recommend that you season it with salt and pepper and add a little oil.
If you have decided to roast all the ingredients of your cream in the oven, you will only have to put them in your processor to grind it and incorporate the necessary liquid, a vegetable milk will be great and will soften the flavors.
If you have only roasted the pumpkin, add it to the rest of the ingredients when they are cooking, in the last 10 minutes, so that the flavors integrate.
Here is an example of a baked pumpkin cream recipe.
Raw pumpkin for salads or as crudité
Yes, raw pumpkin is also a 10 option for your recipes. We are not used to eating it like this, but we assure you that it will surprise you.
Cut it into small cubes and incorporate it into a salad. It will add a crunchy touch to your recipe, and at the same time it will harmonize very well with the rest of the ingredients, because the flavor of raw pumpkin is mild. As an idea, you can combine it with a cheese with character, such as feta cheese. Dress it with your favorite herbs and extra virgin olive oil.. You will see how delicious it is.
If you cut it into sticks, pumpkin is also a great option as a crudité to enjoy in a hummus-like vegetable pâté.
Benefits of pumpkin in your diet
Pumpkin is a seasonal food in autumn and winter, and is usually harvested from September to December. However, it is a food that, if well stored in a cool place, can last for several months and, in addition, can be found all year round when it is imported.
The nutritional properties of pumpkin are many because this fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit) is a food source of potassium, a source of vitamin A and a source of vitamin C.
Pumpkin, being a source of potassium, contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, and to the maintenance of normal blood pressure levels.
As a source of vitamin A, pumpkin also contributes to normal iron metabolism and to the maintenance of normal skin and vision. It also helps the normal functioning of the immune system.
The levels of vitamin C in pumpkin contribute to the normal formation of collagen in our body, which aids in the normal functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, skin, teeth and gums. It also helps the normal functioning of the nervous and immune systems. It protects our cells against oxidative damage and reduces tiredness and fatigue. If you need to improve your iron levels, it is important to know that vitamin C improves its absorption.
And you get all this by introducing pumpkin into your diet, which is also delicious. Can you ask for more?