Now that Halloween is here we see all the pumpkins in the shops and for most people they are just an item to carve and make decorations from. However the pumpkin is also used worldwide as a vegetable, a soup and even in pies. America leads the way in the use of the pumpkin. It is true that on its own it is quite bland or flavourless but when you spice it up you can make nice soup or vegetable dishes from it. It is believed that the word pumpkin is derived from the Greek word "pepon" meaning cooked by the sun. It is of course the largest member of the gourd family which are technically classed as Melons. It is very high in vitamin A. When carving pumpkin keep the flesh or seeds to use in dishes. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and seasoned to be eaten like nuts or sunflower seeds. They will brown up nicely in a moderate oven. When they are golden brown season with Cajun spices or other seasonings to make a delightful munchie.
Pumpkin with Spinach and Cheese:
Cut the pumpkin into wedges and remove al the stringy bits and seeds.
Season with a little olive oil , salt and freshly ground black pepper, shake a little nutmeg on also.
Bake in a very hot oven until they are tender to the fork.
Cook and squeeze spinach separately and grate Mature Cheddar Cheese.
Arrange the spinach and cheese atop of the wedges and bake until cheese is melted and spinach is hot.
Serve as vegetable dish to accompany Poultry dishes or on its own.
Roast Pumpkin & Ham Soup.
Remove skin from pumpkin , remove seeds and keep aside, remove stringy bits.
Chop flesh and cook in a hot oven for I hour until tender, roast seeds as stated above for garnish.
Blend cooked flesh about 1 lb of cooked squash flesh will yield 4 bowls of soup.
Place flesh in a soup pot and add 2 cups or 1 pint of good vegetable or chicken stock, I pint of scalded milk and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar add a small pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon and season with salt and pepper.
Heat through but do not boil.
Add matchstick garnish or chopped ham and roasted seeds of pumpkin.
Some people like to add a dash of cream or a floater of natural yoghurt.
Pumpkin Pie
Using a pie shell that has already been cooked blind { baked without filling}
Mix in a double boiler over gentle heat 1 ½ cups of cooked Pumpkin meat,
1 ½ cups evaporated milk or heavy cream,
½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup white sugar,
½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
½ teaspoon ground ginger,
pinch of ground clove
and 4 slightly beaten eggs,
2 tablespoons brandy or rum.
Fill into pie shell and bake in slow oven until set through.
Ovens will vary so it is best to watch the pie.
Serve with real vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Enjoy
Joe McHugh Chefs of Mayo