How to Prepare a Pumpkin

November 28, 2012 •Emily Murray •Portland • 0 Comments

How to Prepare a Pumpkin

Pumpkins are often ignored in the store’s produce isle. They seem to be popular only during certain festive occasions in our society. Generally, fresh pumpkins are purchase to be used as a decoration exclusively. Although, they are a great source of nutrition and can be used to make an existing recipe healthier. Pumpkins are easy to prepare in a number of ways and can actually even be used the key ingredients in some of the most popular restaurant’s dishes. If you attending culinary school in Oregon, chances are you will make several dishes that call for pumpkin as an ingredient.

Step 1: Select the Right Pumpkin
Selecting a pumpkin at the store is not a difficult task. Look for ones that have a brightly colored rind. Inspect the rind for discolorations, bruises or soft spots. Smaller pumpkins have a better texture for cooking than larger ones. Choose pumpkins with a diameter of approximately 10 inches. These will not be as grainy as the larger pumpkins and will be easier to handle in the kitchen.

Step 2: Clean and Remove Seeds
Wash the outside of the pumpkin thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Use a large kitchen knife to cut the pumpkin in half vertically. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the pumpkin. The seeds may be discarded or roasted to make a healthy snack. Schools in culinary arts often teach this nifty trick for turning these little seeds into a tasty salty snack.

Step 3: Prepare for the Oven
Place the pumpkin rind down on a large baking sheet. Making a flat cut in the rind of the pumpkin halves will make it easier to keep them on the baking sheet. Brush the flesh of the pumpkin with a little melted butter or olive oil and lightly salt. Cover the pumpkin with tinfoil and put in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Check the tenderness of the flesh with a fork.

For a simple side dish, add butter and brown sugar to the pumpkin and cook uncovered an additional 15 minutes or until the butter and sugar have melted.

Step 4: Allow to Cool and Begin Preparing
To prepare the pumpkin for other recipes, remove from oven and allow 15 minutes for cooling. If you would like to find more recipes, search for them on the Web or you could enroll in culinary school in Oregon for a cooking course.
Use a large spoon to scoop out the tender flesh. Discard the rind. Use a potato masher or food processor to pulverize the pumpkin. A small amount of butter of extra virgin olive oil may be added to make it creamier. 

The pumpkin can be used in several different ways at this point. It can be traditionally seasoned and made into pie. Another alternative is to use it as a filling for other favorite recipes. The pumpkin can be seasoned and chilled to be used as a topping or a dip. Coconut water can be added and simmered with the pumpkin to make an exotic soup. The possibilities are endless. If you want to take your passion for cooking and baking a step further, perhaps enrolling in cooking classes taught at schools of culinary arts in your area would be a great next step!

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland. Le Cordon Bleu College of
Culinary Arts in Portland offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Portland for more information.

Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more atwww.chefs.edu/disclosures.  
Le Cordon Bleu® and the Le Cordon Bleu logo are registered trademarks of Career Education Corporation. Le Cordon Bleu cannot guarantee employment or salary.
Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.

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