Steamed Sweet Pumpkin with Nuts: A Delightful & Nutritious Treat
Soft and Fluffy Steamed Sweet Pumpkin Packed with Delicious Nuts
Steaming mini pumpkins creates an incredibly soft, fluffy, and wonderfully delicious texture. This recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying snack, enhanced with a generous amount of savory nuts for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dessert that everyone, young and old, will love!
Main Ingredients
- 1 mini sweet pumpkin
- 3 dates
Nuts
- 1 handful almonds (approx. 20g)
- 1 handful cashews (approx. 20g)
- A small amount of pistachios (for garnish)
- 1 handful almonds (approx. 20g)
- 1 handful cashews (approx. 20g)
- A small amount of pistachios (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pumpkin’s skin. Rinse the sweet pumpkin under running water, then lightly coat it with baking soda. Gently scrub the surface to effectively remove any dirt or residues.
Step 2
Next, prepare to cut off the top of the pumpkin like a lid. Using a paring knife, carefully cut around the top quarter of the pumpkin, creating a lid shape. Try not to cut too deep, and maintain the shape so it can be placed back on later.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to remove the seeds and stringy bits from inside the pumpkin. Use a spoon or teaspoon to scrape out the seeds and fibrous material cleanly. Lightly rinse the 3 dates, pat them dry, and place them inside the hollowed-out pumpkin.
Step 4
Prepare for steaming. Fill a pot with about one-third water and place a steamer basket inside. Carefully place the prepared pumpkin, filled with dates, onto the steamer basket. Cover with a lid and begin steaming over high heat.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling and steam is rising, reduce the heat to medium and steam for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the pumpkin’s size. Check for tenderness by inserting a chopstick or fork; it should pierce easily when cooked. Once tender, turn off the heat and carefully remove the warm pumpkin.
Step 6
Prepare the nuts for stuffing. Take your handfuls of almonds and cashews and chop them a few times with the side of a knife or a regular knife. Aim for pieces that offer a pleasant chew rather than finely minced nuts. Set aside the pistachios for garnish.
Step 7
Gently arrange the dates inside the warm, steamed pumpkin. Generously fill the cavity with the chopped almonds and cashews. Drizzle 1.5 tablespoons of honey evenly over the nuts. You can adjust the amount of honey to your preference. Finally, cut the pumpkin into serving-sized portions. Garnish with a few pistachios for a beautiful presentation.