Ok...so I have a pumpkin...now what??

[dizzymama]

Erm, I bought it because it looked so inviting and now it is just sat on the work surface daring me to cook it, but how? Anyone got a good pumpkin recipie??

[SenoraPostrophe]

soup?

(see my soup recipe on the soup recipe thread - dead easy)

or of course you could cut a face in it and put a candle inside.

[dizzymama]

Ooo ta, SP, I'll look that one up. Think my fingers would end up severed if I tried to carve a pumpkin - I'm not known for fine motor skills in our house!!

[Loochyloo]

I made a punpkin risotto from Annabel Karmel which was lovely. This is a similar recipe (just leave out wine if you think not suitable for kids) And you can freeze pumpkin too if it's just too large to cope with all at once (cut of skn first and freeze in bits)

Ingredients
1 munchkin or other small pumpkin
55g/1oz unsalted butter
2 spring onions, sliced
110g/4oz rice
570ml/1 pint chicken stock
½ glass white wine



Method

1. Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the pips from inside.
   
2. Scrape out the pulp using a melon baller.
   
3. Gently melt the butter in a pan and sauté the pulp and spring onions for 3-4 minutes to soften.
   
4. Stir in the rice and cook for three minutes.
   
5. Pour in the chicken stock and wine, stirring to combine.
   
6. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender.
   
7. Season to taste, transfer to serving plates and serve at once.

[dizzymama]

That looks lovely LL, thank you, I shall give that one a go (good tip on freezing pumpkin, had no idea about that )

[flatmouse]

Baked/roasted pumpkin seeds.
Yummmm
Wash all the rubbish off them, toss them in a little melted butter - add any flavourings you require (eg salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper). Spread on baking tray and pop in v low oven (130C) for about 45 mins.

Allow to cool.

Munch

[dizzymama]

Mmmm, flatmouse that sounds yummy! Have unfortunately thrown away seeds of this one, but with so many lovely recipies now will be buying another and can try that idea out. Thank you

[NotQuiteCockney]

Someone was telling me the really big ones are made to be decorations, and they don't really taste good. I only really cook with butternut squash, and little pumpkins.

[dizzymama]

I'll let you know NQC! It isn't a huge one but not small either! Dd seems to be eating the bit I whizzed up for her ok but haven't tasted it myself yet!

[aloha]

I made pumpkin soup tonight, and added two sweet potatoes and some roasted carrot (roasted the pumpkin first too). Just those ingredients added to a fried onion, some Marigold stock and some milk and it was utterly delicious.

[dizzymama]

Ta for that one kS, am cutting and pasting all ideas onto a word doc so can experiment in kitchen tomorrow!