How to Cook Fresh Pumpkin
83go canned again!
Once you go fresh, you'll never
A lot of recipes call for canned pumpkin, but you will find recipes that call for fresh pumpkin. You can also replace canned pumpkin for fresh even if a recipe calls for canned.
Pumpkins are easy to handle and cook once you know how. Here are some methods that I've found helpful. A lot of these are tips that have been passed on to me from friends and family.
Once the pumpkin is cooked, simply use a food processor or blender to whip it into a pumpkin puree.
You can store unused portions of the pumpkin puree in the refrigerator, or freeze in ziplock bags until you are ready to use it.
If you compare fresh pumpkin to canned pumpkin (sight, smell, and taste), you will definitely choose fresh everytime. When it is so easy to make, why wouldn't you?
Option #1: The Oven
Cut pumpkin open and scoop out the seeds. Place pumpkin halves facedown in a baking dish. Add 1/2" of water to pan: this helps keep the pumpkin flesh moist.
Bake at 450º until you can pierce the skin with a fork (about 45 minutes to an hour).
Scoop flesh out of shell with a spoon.
Step by Step Pictures of Option #1
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Option #2: The Microwave
Cut pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the pumpkin into large chunks (so it will fit in microwave), leaving skin on. Place pumpkin chunks in a shallow, microwave-safe dish with a lid (or cover with plastic wrap).
Spray the cut pumpkin surfaces with cooking spray, and cover. Cook on high for 15 minutes, or until tender (feels soft and cooked).
Alternately, you can add water to the dish, eliminating the spray, to keep the pumpkin from drying out.
Option #3: The Stovetop
Cut pumpkin in half, scooping out the seeds. Then, cut pumpkin into large chunks, but leave the skin on.
Place chunks in a large steamer basket (or a colander placed inside a dutch oven, with water on the bottom). Steam for 20 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender.
Check out these great pumpkin recipes!
- Pumpkin Recipes: Easy & Yummy
Tasty recipes for Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes, Profound Pumpkin Pudding, Cheesy Pumpkin Soup, and Snackable Pumpkin Bread. - More Simple Pumpkin Recipes
More tasty pumpkin recipes: Pumpkin Pie Muffins, Pumpkin Pudding Pies, and Pumpkin Mashed "Mock" Potatoes. - How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds taste great, plus they are really good for you. You can add these yummy seeds to salads, or keep them handy for a healthy snack. These are two great methods for cooking pumpkin seeds. These... - Pumpkin Dessert Recipes: Low Point & Low Calorie
The holiday season is abundant with tasty temptations, but these recipes will help you keep your waistband from growing: Pumpkin Cheesecake Pudding (2 points), Pumpkin Muffins (3 points), Pumpkin Fluff (2 points).
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Comments
Canned pumpking???? Never heard of such a thing! Guess it is much easier to open a tin than cut open and peel a pumking. Bet you are right though, the difference in flavours must be abysmal.
I have a pumpkin sitting on the front steps of the hosue as decor. I'll try your recipe. Do you do all your own pictures - they are very good?
I do most of my own pictures, so thank you. Let me know how the pumpkin goes!
Thank you for this hub! It's hard to find info about cooking fresh pumpkin. I did it once and it worked out great. The next year something went wrong and it was too watery! I'll try to follow your instructions this year. THANKS.
This sounds good I will try it and let you know.
Incidentally I think your photos are terrific
How long does it last once it is cooked? I would like to cook em up tomorrow but wait until Tuesday to use em.
Thanks!!!
It stays good, in the fridge, for about 5 days.
Your instructions were the best yet! I have my pumpkin in the oven now! Can't wait to make my pumpkin cheesecake!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
My Pumpkin is hudge - are all pumpkins good for cooking?
Generally, the pumpkins you buy for decoration or jackolanterns are not for cooking. Sugar pumpkins, and other pumpkins typically sold in the produce area of your grocery store are for cooking. I've never done it, but I know people who have successfully cooked white and yellow pumpkins.
do you add anything to the pumpkin puree? or just cook as is?
Cook as is. When you use it in recipes, the recipe often calls for spices.
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ForTheLove says:
9 months ago
I really like the idea of fresh pumpkin! This is one recipe I'll be pointing my cooking-oriented friends to since I don't cook a whole lot, myself. I'm certainly not opposed to sampling pies, though, of course! lol