Knock off the stem, and cut the pumpkins in half, from top to bottom. Use a large sharp chef’s knife for this – it will be much easier. Scoop out all of the seeds, and pull out whatever stringy membranes you can – no need to be super careful about it, but you do want all of the seeds.
How to Cook a Pumpkin
Baking a pumpkin is as simple as cleaning it, cutting it into chunks, and sticking it in the oven.
- Heat oven to 325ºF (168°C).
- Scrub the outside of the pumpkin with a vegetable brush to remove any visible dirt.
- Cut off the stem, then cut the pumpkin in half (from top to bottom). Use a spoon to scrape out any fibers and seeds out of each half. A serrated grapefruit spoon or an ice cream scoop work great for this. Clean and save the seeds for roasting, if you like.
- Cut the pumpkin halves into smaller chunks, then place the pieces skin-side up in a shallow baking dish with a lid.
- Add water to just cover the bottom of the dish, and cover tightly.
- Bake in oven for about 1 hour or until the pumpkin is fork tender. The time could be more or less depending on the size of your pieces, so keep an eye on them. If in doubt, cook longer; you won’t hurt the pumpkin.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes, and then either cut off the peel or scoop out the flesh.
It’s even easier to roast the pumpkin at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time, which brings out that caramelized taste. Here’s how:
- Heat oven to 400ºF (205°C).
- Scrub the outside of the pumpkin with a vegetable brush to remove any visible dirt.
- Cut off the stem, then cut the pumpkin in half (from top to bottom). Use a spoon to scrape out any fibers and seeds out of each half. A serrated grapefruit spoon or an ice cream scoop work great for this. Clean and save the seeds for roasting, if you like.
- Place the pumpkin cut-side down on a baking sheet lined in parchment paper.
- Bake 35 to 50 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and nearly collapsing.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes, and then either cut off the peel or scoop out the flesh.
Easy Ways to Bake, Roast, and Purée Pumpkin
Here’s how to clean and cook pumpkins two different ways. Plus, if you’re cooking your own pumpkins, it’s just one more step to make homemade pumpkin purée! Enjoy the fall flavor and healthy goodness of fresh pumpkin!
How to Clean a Pumpkin to Cook It : Pumpkin Recipes
FAQ
Do you have to clean out a pumpkin before carving?
Do I need to peel pumpkin before cooking?
How to clean and prepare a pumpkin for cooking?
Here is a guide on how to clean and prepare a pumpkin for cooking. The first thing you need to do is cut off the top of the pumpkin. This will give you access to the seeds and pulp inside. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp, and discard them. Next, use a vegetable brush to clean the inside of the pumpkin.
Do you have to remove the shell of pumpkin seeds?
It is not necessary to remove the shell from pumpkin seeds, in fact it is even more interesting to leave it. However, as a matter of preference in texture, many people prefer to remove the shell.
How do you clean a mushy pumpkin?
Remove any mushy or moldy spots on the pumpkin with a knife. Rub the pumpkin down with a vegetable brush or a clean, rough cloth. Then, run the pumpkin under water to remove any dirt. Let your pumpkin reach room temperature. If you brought your pumpkin from outside, it may be a little cold. Let the pumpkin sit until it’s around room temperature.
How do you purify a pumpkin?
And finally (although this is generally only the case if you’re steaming the pumpkin), you may also need a large metal or glass mixing bowl along with a mesh strainer or a colander plus some cheesecloth for draining the excess liquid from your purée. Start by giving the pumpkin a quick wash in cool water.