Zero Waste Kitchen

Looking to make the most out of your pumpkins this season? We have the perfect recipe for you. Baking a whole pumpkin not only creates a delicious puree, but it also reduces waste. Join us as we show you how to bake a pumpkin for puree.

Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin

This mouthwatering recipe is perfect for a cozy autumn evening. The combination of a warm and tender sugar pumpkin filled with flavorful ingredients will leave you feeling satisfied. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar pumpkin
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the top of the sugar pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
3. In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, spinach, feta cheese, dried cranberries, pine nuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff the sugar pumpkin with the quinoa mixture.
5. Place the stuffed pumpkin on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for approximately 60-75 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This stuffed sugar pumpkin is a delightful main course or side dish. The combination of quinoa, spinach, feta cheese, cranberries, and pine nuts creates a harmony of flavors that will impress your family and friends.

When preparing this recipe, you can also experiment with different ingredients. Adding roasted vegetables or swapping the quinoa for couscous are just a couple of examples. The key is to be creative and use what you have available in your kitchen.

Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing

Another incredible recipe that celebrates the natural sweetness of pumpkin is the roasted whole pumpkin with stuffing. This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with delicious flavors. Let’s dig in!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pumpkin
• 3 cups bread cubes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and pulp.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the bread cubes, vegetable broth, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Stuff the pumpkin with the bread cube mixture.
6. Place the stuffed pumpkin on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for approximately 90 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
8. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve.

This roasted whole pumpkin with stuffing is a showstopper at any dinner table. The combination of the moist and flavorful stuffing with the tender pumpkin creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Now that you know how to bake a pumpkin for puree, you can enjoy these mouthwatering recipes throughout the pumpkin season. Whether you choose the stuffed sugar pumpkin or the roasted whole pumpkin with stuffing, your taste buds will thank you.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of pumpkin fill your kitchen. It’s time to savor the flavors of fall.