Pumpkin: our guide to cooking it well in different ways

Pumpkin, this autumn vegetable with tender flesh and a slightly sweet taste, is a must-have of the season. It is a good base for many culinary preparations such as soups or gratins… It can also be cooked in different ways: you can roast it like meat, cook it in foil to concentrate the flavors, or cook it slowly steam to preserve its benefits. Follow us to discover the cooking secrets of pumpkin.

One of the pumpkin’s distinctive characteristics is its thin, edible skin, which contains much of its flavors and nutrients. Unlike other squash, pumpkin can be cooked with its skin. It gives this vegetable a little chestnut and hazelnut taste which it would be a shame to deprive yourself of.

The oven is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook pumpkin. The even heat of this cooking method brings out the vegetable’s natural flavors while creating a moist texture. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C. Wash the pumpkin well and cut it in half. You can leave the skin on. Remove the seeds inside using a spoon and don’t throw them away, you can toast them to enhance your soups and other recipes!

Place the pumpkin halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the flesh is tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pumpkin. You can also cut the squash into thick slices to save cooking time.

Cooking in foil is a healthy and delicious method that preserves the flavor and texture of the pumpkin while preserving its nutrients. Wrapping it in baking paper with herbs, spices and other vegetables concentrates the flavors. Cut the pumpkin into thin slices or cubes. Place the pieces on a piece of baking paper. Season the pumpkin with herbs, spices, salt and pepper. Close the foil by folding the paper to form a small packet. Bake at 180°C for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Steaming is an ideal option for those who want to preserve all the nutrients in the pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin into small pieces or cubes. Place the pieces in a steamer basket over a pan of boiling water or the steamer. Cover and let steam for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. Season with salt and pepper once cooked.

Finally, for cooking enthusiasts in a hurry, the pressure cooker is an excellent choice for cooking pumpkin in record time. You can cut the pumpkin into larger pieces to save time. Then place them in the pressure cooker with a little water. Close the pot and cook at high pressure for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooking is complete, release the pressure. Season to taste once the pumpkin is ready.

For all these cooking methods, do not hesitate to experiment with spices, fresh herbs, butter, olive oil to personalize the taste of the pumpkin according to your preferences.