What vegetable is associated with autumn? Of course, bright and tender pumpkin. Its pulp can be used to make hearty and tender dishes: salads, pastries, snacks, soups, and even drinks. Food.ru has collected several pumpkin recipes: we share ideas for autumn dinners.
What useful substances are in the composition?
Pumpkin is a dietary and nutritious product at the same time. Its energy value is only 26 calories, and its chemical composition is rich in vitamins. Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which gives the pulp a yellow-orange hue. This element maintains eye and skin health, strengthens the immune system, and protects the body from free radicals. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption and strengthens the immune system, vitamin E protects cells from damage. B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, and B6, maintain skin health and nerve cell metabolism.
Important microelements – potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc – regulate metabolism and heart function. Potassium also helps remove excess fluid from the body, which means it prevents swelling.
Interesting
Botanically, pumpkin is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds. However, due to its taste characteristics and cooking methods, it is classified as a vegetable.
How to store
Place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in cling film to avoid contact with air. In the refrigerator, at a temperature of +2 … +5 °C, sliced pumpkin will remain fresh for three to five days.
Or freeze the pumpkin to keep it for 8 to 12 months. Cut the vegetable into small pieces, blanch it for two to three minutes in boiling water, cool, dry, and place in an airtight container.
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What to cook
In cooking, not only the pulp and seeds are used, but also the flowers of the pumpkin. They are fried in batter, added to soups and salads, steamed, stuffed, and baked.
Creamy soup
Cream soups are a great addition to the autumn menu because they are nutritious, easy to digest, and quick to prepare. They can be served hot or cold. Try making pumpkin cream soup with nutmeg, ginger, olive oil, and cream. Garnish the dish with croutons, seeds, or nuts.
Pumpkin with stuffing
The most diverse combinations are suitable for the filling: rice with mushrooms, spinach with cheese, minced meat or minced meat with vegetables. The vegetarian version can be prepared with chickpeas, nuts and dried fruits. Oregano, thyme or nutmeg will help to emphasize the taste of pumpkin. The dish can be served whole or cut into portions.
In Italian
To give the pumpkin a Mediterranean flavor, add a mix of Italian herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and parsley. Fresh herbs or ready-made dry seasoning will do.
Advice
Also try this Greek pumpkin recipe with feta cheese, tomatoes and olive oil.
Pumpkin Hummus
This is a popular snack that is convenient to serve as a sauce for meat or a dip for vegetables and flatbreads. It is rich in vitamins and fiber, so it is nutritious and gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. The bright color of the pumpkin will give the traditional hummus an unusual shade, and the spicy spices – a bright taste.
Baked goods with cottage cheese and pumpkin
A classic of autumn cooking is pumpkin pie. Cottage cheese will help to achieve a delicate, creamy texture, it will also create a harmonious balance of sweetness and slight sourness. Add spices to the pie that go well with the taste of pumpkin: cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, cloves, and white pepper. The finished dessert can be decorated with fresh berries, mint and powdered sugar.
Advice
Also try the recipe for sweet sponge roll with cottage cheese, pumpkin and condensed milk.
Latte
This drink is prepared in a ratio of 1:3, where one part coffee and three parts milk. The taste of pumpkin latte combines the aromas of spices and mineral notes of Himalayan salt and the tenderness of milk foam. You can garnish the latte with pumpkin seed crumbs and almonds.
What can be done?
Pickle pumpkin for the winter to get a piquant snack. For the pickle, prepare vinegar, water, sugar, salt and spices. Mix the ingredients, place the pumpkin in the brine and leave overnight.
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