There are several ways you can cook pumpkins. Cook on the stove, in the oven, boil them or cook in the microwave. We will go through each step in detail. Pumpkins are easy to store. Store the whole pumpkin in a cool dry place or store cooked pumpkin in the refrigerator or freezer. You will find each step for storing pumpkins below. There are several delicious recipes you can make with pumpkins. This article will show you how to prepare, cook, and store pumpkins.
How Do I Prepare Pumpkin
The first thing you need to do is choose the right pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin that is rich in color and has no blemishes, bruises, or soft spots. When you get the pumpkin home wash it and then cut the pumpkin in half using a sharp knife.
The pumpkin will be slippery so be careful with cutting. A helpful tip is to put a cloth under the pumpkin to prevent it from slipping.
After you cut the pumpkin in half then you will remove the seeds and the strings inside the pumpkin. Save the seeds for later. You can leave the pumpkin in halves or you can cut into smaller slices.
How Do I Cook Pumpkin
You can cook pumpkin on the stove, boil it, cook in the oven, or the microwave. We will go through each step.
How To Cook Pumpkin On The Stovetop
To cook the pumpkin on the stove you will cut and remove the seeds and strings from the pumpkin. Then you will cut the pumpkin in half and peel the pumpkin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the pumpkin into cube sizes. Heat a frying pan with oil. Add the pumpkin to the frying pan and add 1/2 cup of water. Cook and stir occasionally until the water is gone and the pumpkin is soft. Season to taste.
Pumpkin Recipe On The Stove
- Prepare the pumpkin(Cut in half and remove seeds and strings)
- Peel skin with a vegetable peeler
- Cut the pumpkin into cube sizes
- Cut a small onion into small pieces
- Heat a frying pan with oil
- Add onions and 2 tsp of minced garlic
- Stir around and cook for 2 minutes. Don’t burn the onions or garlic.
- Add pumpkin and 1/2 cup of water. Cook stirring occasionally until water is gone and the pumpkin is soft. You may have to add extra water.
- Season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning.
How Long Does It Take To Boil Pumpkin
It takes 15-30 minutes to boil pumpkins, this time all depends on the size of the pumpkin you are using.
How To Boil Pumpkin
- Prepare the pumpkin(Cut in half and remove seeds and strings).
- Peel and cut in half or into cubes.
- Heat a pot with water.
- Add pumpkin to the pot.
- Boil for 15-30 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft.
- Season to taste or cool and make pumpkin puree.
How To Cook Pumpkin In The Oven
- Prepare the pumpkin(Cut in half and remove seeds and strings).
- Cut the pumpkin into halves or slices.
- Heat oven to 400.
- Line a greased baking pan with tin foil.
- Brush oil on the pumpkin or use a buttered flavored oil spray. Sprinkle with salt or your favorite seasonings.
- Cook for 60 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft and tender. Timing will depend on the size of the pumpkin.
- Top with butter and brown sugar. Return to the oven for 2 minutes.
- Scoop out tender flesh or cut off the skin and enjoy.
How To Cook Pumpkin In The Microwave
- Prepare the pumpkin(Cut in half and remove seeds and strings).
- Cut into smaller slices.
- Put pumpkin in a bowl.
- Cover bowl with microwave-safe plastic or lid.
- Cook on high for 15-20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
- Let it cool and then scoop out the flesh and enjoy it.
How To Make Pumpkin Puree
To make pumpkin puree you would prepare the pumpkin. Cut in half and remove seeds and strings. Then you would cook the pumpkin and then let it cool. When it is cooled down scoop out the flesh from the pumpkin and put in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy adding a little water if needed.
What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds
You can toast the pumpkin seeds. You will need to follow the directions we talked about above to prepare the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Then you will rinse the seeds and place on wax paper to dry. When dried place on a greased baking pan lined with tin foil. Add your favorite spices to the seeds and then bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until the seeds are crunchy. They make a delicious snack.
How To Store Pumpkin
You can store pumpkins in the refrigerator, in a cool dry place, or in the freezer. We will go through each step.
Refrigerator- After cooking let the pumpkin cool and then wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator.
Whole Pumpkins- To store whole pumpkins you will want to keep them in a cool place. Don’t store the pumpkins directly on the floor. If you store the whole pumpkin correctly they can last for 3-4 months.
How To Freeze Pumpkins
Raw Pumpkin- You will need to cut pumpkin and remove seeds and strings. Then you will peel pumpkin skin with a vegetable peeler. Then cut the pumpkin into chunks. Add chunks to freezer bags and store them in the freezer. A helpful tip is to not overpack the bags or the chunks will stick together.
Cooked Pumpkin- Let the pumpkin cool and then freeze in freezer bags.
How To Defrost Pumpkin
Defrost and thaw the pumpkin in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin to use later.
What Can I Do With My Pumpkins After Halloween
You can do a lot with pumpkins after Halloween. Try one of these options:
- You can make pumpkin puree
- Eat the seeds
- Make pumpkin soup
- Bake in the oven
- Use for thanksgiving decoration
- Make pumpkin spice latte
- Pumpkin bread
What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Pumpkins
Healthline list the benefits of pumpkins as:
- Very nutritious and rich in vitamin A
- High in Antioxidants
- Packed with vitamins
- Low in calories
- High in potassium
Pumpkin Recipes
What Recipes Can You Make With Pumpkins
You can make:
- Pumpkin Bread
- Muffins
- Cookies
- Waffles
- Pancakes
- Oatmeal
- Pie
- Spiced Latte
- Pumpkin Soup
- Sauteed Pumpkin
- Lasagna
- Chili
- Meatballs
- Stir Fry
All these recipes can be made with pumpkins. Check out these 25 pumpkin recipes to get recipe information and instructions.
Other Recipes
20 Easy Zucchini Recipes For Dinner
How To Cook Pumpkin-Cooking Pumpkin In The Oven
Ingredients
- 1 3 pound Pumpkin
- 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
- 4 Teaspoons Butter
- 4 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the pumpkin(Wash pumpkin, cut in half and remove seeds and strings).
- Cut the pumpkin into halves or into slices.
- Heat oven to 400.
- Line a greased baking pan with tin foil.
- Brush oil on the pumpkin or use a buttered flavored oil spray. Sprinkle with salt or your favorite seasonings.
- Cook for 60 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft and tender. Timing will depend on the size of the pumpkin.
- Top with butter and brown sugar. Return to the oven for 2 minutes.
- Scoop out tender flesh or cut off the skin and enjoy.
