How to Use Fresh Pumpkins in Recipes

Puree fresh pumpkin to prepare a nutritious and wholesome soup.

Pumpkins are a sweet and nutty flavored vegetable that you can enjoy in several interesting ways. Bright orange in color, pumpkins contain fiber, minerals and vitamins including beta carotene, an antioxidant that offers several health benefits. Enjoy the wholesome taste and nutrition of fresh pumpkins by using the flesh to prepare a wide range of meals including sweet and savory dishes. Does this Spark an idea?

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Potato masher
Blender
Onion
Garlic
Olive oil
Cheddar cheese
Salt
Pepper
Tomato sauce
Chili

Instructions

- 1
  
  Prepare healthy pumpkin puree, which you can use instead of preservative-laden canned puree. Peel fresh pumpkin, remove the seeds and fibers and cut into 2-inch cubes. Fill a stockpot with water and bring to a boil. Cook the pumpkin cubes in the stockpot for 20 minutes or until soft. Mash the cooked pumpkins to a smooth puree with a potato masher or blender. Use the puree as desired or store in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
- 2
  
  Add seasonings of your choice to flavor pumpkin puree and prepare a thick and tasty soup. Saute finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil, on medium heat for seven minutes, or until translucent. Add the pumpkin puree, grated cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper according to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve the warm soup along with toasted bread.
- 3
  
  Use fresh pumpkin puree to prepare pumpkin pancake. Substitute 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree for an equal quantity of milk when preparing the pancake batter.
- 4
  
  Blend fresh pumpkin in a variety of desserts. Use pumpkin puree as a filling in cheesecakes and pies, as well as in recipes to prepare puddings, custards, breads and halva.
- 5
  
  Cube fresh pumpkin and add to savory dishes. Saute pumpkin cubes in tomato sauce and a little chili for 15 minutes. Combine the sauteed pumpkin with cooked rice, pasta, stir-fry or vegetable stew dishes.