Creamy Pumpkin with Spice (Print version)

Luscious pumpkin cubes blended with warming spices and cream for a smooth, comforting autumn dish.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4.4 cups pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cut into ¾ inch cubes
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 - ¾ cup heavy cream

→ Spices & Seasoning

05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - ½ teaspoon ground ginger
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnish (optional)

12 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
13 - Toasted pumpkin seeds

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add pumpkin cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the pumpkin.
05 - Pour ½ cup water, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until pumpkin is very tender, stirring occasionally.
06 - Uncover, reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, stir gently, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until creamy and heated through.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped herbs and toasted pumpkin seeds if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It transforms humble pumpkin into something silky and luxurious without any complicated techniques.
  • The warming spices make your kitchen smell like the coziest autumn afternoon you can imagine.
  • It works as a side dish or a light vegetarian main, and everyone always asks for seconds.
02 -
  • Don't skip the simmering step, the pumpkin needs time to break down and absorb the spices or it will taste bland and one-dimensional.
  • If your pumpkin releases a lot of water during cooking, uncover the pan for the last few minutes before adding the cream to let some of it evaporate.
  • Taste before serving because different pumpkins have different sweetness levels and you might need a pinch more salt or a crack more pepper.
03 -
  • Toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet with a pinch of salt for the garnish, it takes two minutes and adds so much crunch and flavor.
  • If you want a hint of sweetness, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey with the cream, it's subtle but makes the dish feel even more comforting.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching, especially during the simmering step when the pumpkin starts to break down.

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