The steamed pumpkin in the multicooker is a healthy and light side dish, perfect for those looking for a nutritious and tasty alternative. Steaming preserves all the nutritional properties of the pumpkin, keeping its flavor, texture, and color unchanged. With the use of the multicooker, this preparation becomes extremely simple and practical, thanks to the automatic functions that allow you to achieve even cooking without the need to monitor the process. Steamed pumpkin can be enjoyed on its own, drizzled with a little oil, or used as a base for other recipes, such as purees, soups, or fillings.
Pumpkin is known for its sweet flavor and soft texture. When steamed, it becomes even more tender and can be paired with meat or fish mains. Steaming does not require oil or fats, making the dish perfect even for those following a low-calorie or detox diet.
Steaming is one of the best methods to preserve the nutritional properties of pumpkin. Compared to boiling or oven cooking, steaming does not leach vitamins and minerals into the cooking water, keeping nutrients intact. Pumpkin is particularly rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, and vitamins A and C, and also provides a good amount of fiber.
If you don’t have a multicooker, you can cook the pumpkin in a pressure cooker.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Instant pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Autumn, Winter and Spring
Ingredients for the steamed pumpkin in the multicooker:
- 1.1 lbs pumpkin
- 1 cup water
Tools for the steamed pumpkin in the multicooker:
- 1 multicooker
- 1 Steaming basket
Steps for preparing and cooking the steamed pumpkin:
Wash the pumpkin’s skin well; if you are using a pumpkin with a tougher skin, such as the Mantua type, you can peel it with a sharp knife or a peeler.
Remove the seeds and strings from the pumpkin, then cut it into slices or leave it whole as we did.
In the multicooker basket, place 1 cup of water, then place the steaming basket inside and add the pumpkin.
Close the lid, close the valve, and set the steam cooking for 13 minutes. After cooking, check that the pumpkin is done by testing with a fork; it should be soft yet firm and not falling apart. If necessary, cook it for another 2-3 minutes.
Now your pumpkin is ready to be used in many recipes or enjoyed plain with a drizzle of oil, salt, and spices if desired.
Tips:
You can store the cooked pumpkin in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
