Sweet Pumpkin Steaming: The Ultimate Guide to Steaming and Storing
Discover the natural sweetness of pumpkin! Learn the best ways to steam it and store it fresh.
The natural sweetness of pumpkin is unparalleled, offering a pure, delightful taste. Knowing various methods to steam pumpkin makes it an excellent choice for a simple, healthy snack. Enjoy the simple pleasure of perfectly steamed pumpkin!
Ingredients- 1 whole pumpkin
- 500ml water (for steaming)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start with a fresh pumpkin. Since you’ll be eating the skin, thorough washing is essential. Rinse the pumpkin under running water, scrubbing the skin firmly with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. Finally, rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Step 2
Struggling to cut a firm pumpkin? Here’s a handy trick: use your microwave! For larger pumpkins, microwave for about 2 minutes; for smaller ones, about 1 minute. This will soften the skin slightly, making it much easier to cut. Once slightly softened, cut the pumpkin in half.
Step 3
Now, carefully cut the pumpkin in half after microwaving. Be cautious as the knife can slip.
Step 4
Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and the stringy bits from the inside of the pumpkin. It’s best to scrape the interior clean for a better eating experience.
Step 5
After cutting the pumpkin in half, trim off the stem end for a neat finish.
Step 6
Cut the pumpkin into bite-sized pieces. Even one pumpkin yields quite a bit! If you have leftover pumpkin, store the cut pieces in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed quickly while it’s freshest.
Step 7
Steaming pumpkin in a pot: Place the pumpkin in a steamer basket over 500ml of water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, cover with a lid and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a fork; it should go in easily.
Step 8
Steaming pumpkin in the microwave: Cut the pumpkin into your desired size and thickness. I chose to cut mine thinly for this demonstration. Line a microwave-safe plate with plastic wrap, place the pumpkin pieces on top, and microwave for about 5 minutes. Check if it’s cooked through, and if not, microwave for another 1-2 minutes. Thinner pieces will cook faster.
Step 9
Voila! Look at how perfectly cooked this pumpkin is. Isn’t it amazing how tender and delicious it turned out?
Step 10
Steamed pumpkin, prepared using either of these methods, makes a fantastic snack for children and a healthy dessert for the whole family. It’s delicious as is, or can be used in salads, soups, and other dishes!
