This weekend I did something I have never done before.
This sweet little “pie pumpkin” had been sitting in my produce basket for quite some time now just waiting for me to take the plunge and roast my very first pumpkin.
I absolutely adore fall squash like butternut, delicata, and acorn and I love pumpkin puree added to just about anything so I was excited to cook up my very first pumpkin.
Now, I know that cutting a fall squash is not the easiest thing in the world, but I can cut open a decent squash all on my own and I have carved many pumpkins in my day….but pie pumpkin is different!
The outer layer on this thing was THICK, and I literally thought we were going to have to chisel our way through until I found this article from The Kitchn outlining “How to Cut a Pumpkin.” Thank goodness I am not the only one who had difficulties with this task!
While the outer layer is a bit thicker than a normal carving pumpkin and other fall squash, it is not impossible to cut through…just be patient and persistent and follow the steps outlined in The Kitchn’s post 🙂
Once Brian cracked open the pumpkin (yes I had my husband help!) we had to scoop out the seeds.
I simply spritzed the inside of the pumpkin with olive oil and sprinkled a bit of salt and pepper.
I then flipped it upside down on the baking sheet and allowed it to cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
While the pumpkin was cooking I whipped up a delicious recipe for Red Wine Risotto with Roasted Pumpkin that I found on the back of a vegetable stock box that I purchased at The Fresh Market. Once the pumpkin was roasted, I scooped it out of the rind and mixed it into the risotto as the recipe instructed to do.
I cannot even begin to describe to you how delicious and satisfying this meal was!
This meal absolutely screamed fall and would make an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving. Brian and I even omitted the parmesan because we were out, and we did not miss a thing. Seriously, I am keeping this recipe and definitely making it again.
Yum! Just looking at these pictures is making me hungry.
Based on this post, here are a few similar ones you should check out.
Leave a comment
I always struggle to cut pumpkins and worry that I’m going to chop a finger off in the process sometimes!!
I thought I was going to lose my finger too!!!!
That risotto sounds awesome!! And good for you for tackling a pumpkin! I have been to scared to try it…or maybe just lazy! 😉
You should totally try cooking a pumpkin! It is so satisfying and I feel so accomplished now 🙂
I LOVE Risotto and have only made it once- I will have to try it again with pumpkin! Sounds amazing 🙂
It is so good. I think the key to this recipe is the red wine, it really gives the meal depth in flavor!
Love that you made risotto with your pumpkin! It’s one of our favorites dishes every fall 🙂
So yummy!
Great job girl! I have never roasted a pumpkin before either, only a butternut and spaghetti squash! Looks like a simple process though so I will have to give it a try sometime!
The hardest part is cutting it open!!!!
I never made a pumpkin like this before! I don’t even know where you get a pie pumpkin haha.
Just the normal grocery store 🙂