Pumpkin Recipe for Halloween

When people think of Halloween, the first image that comes to mind is often a jack-o’-lantern — a hollowed-out pumpkin with a scary face. Pumpkin, however, is a lot more than just a decoration.

Pumpkin as a food can be extremely versatile. It can be baked, used in soup and curry, as a pastry filling and much more. Its sweet flavor and bright color also make it a hit with kids.

Nutritional Values

Pumpkin is rich in...

1. Beta-carotene — an antioxidant that fights ageing.¹ It also gets converted to vitamin A which is great for eye health.²
2. Fiber — which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent colon cancer.¹
3. Minerals — including potassium and manganese. Potassium is great for managing blood pressure, and manganese is pivotal for brain and nerve function.³

Pick and store

You should pick pumpkins with intact skin. For cut pumpkins, flesh should be bright in color and look moist. Store whole pumpkins in a cool and dark place. Cut pumpkin should be wrapped in cling wrap and refrigerated.³

Making your own pumpkin soup⁴

Sugar

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 onions (chopped)

1 kg pumpkin (peeled, deseeded, chopped)

700ml vegetable stock

150ml double cream

Steps

1. Heat oil. Cook onions until soft.
2. Add pumpkin. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
3. Pour in stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pour in double cream. Bring back to boil. Puree with a hand blender.
5. Ready to serve.

With all the amazing benefits that pumpkin brings, there really is no excuse not to give this pumpkin soup recipe a go!

Sources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
2. https://www.sweye.com/blog/education/eye-health-benefits-from-pumpkins/. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
3. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ingredientsprofiles/Pumpkin. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/7730/pumpkin-soup. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.