This side dish (or delicious appetizer) is a triumph of contrasts. We’re talking about sweet and sour pumpkin, a dish that gets better if prepared in advance!
The fried pumpkin, sweet and tender, is marinated in an intense sauce. The perfect balance is given by vinegar and sugar (for a delicate caramelization), enriched with a touch of garlic and the sharp freshness of mint (or pennyroyal).
The real secret is the resting time: the more the pumpkin absorbs the marinade, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Come along with me and let’s start cooking! Happy cooking, Giusi.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very inexpensive
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs red pumpkin
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1.4 oz granulated sugar
- to taste salt
Steps
Prepare the pumpkin: Remove the skin, seeds, and fibers. Cut into slices about 0.4 inches thick (or into sticks, depending on preference).
In a large, wide pan, heat plenty of extra virgin olive oil.
Fry the pumpkin slices a few at a time. The pumpkin should turn golden on both sides and be tender but not mushy. It will take about 3-4 minutes per side.
As they are ready, drain the slices and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Lightly salt them.Arrange all the slices inside a baking dish.
Remove almost all the oil used for frying from the pan, leaving just a small amount (about a coffee cup).
Pour the vinegar and sugar mixture into the pan, add the sliced garlic and increase the heat.Let the mixture thicken slightly until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat.
Immediately pour the sweet and sour dressing over the pumpkin slices.
Add plenty of fresh mint leaves, torn by hand. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of ground black pepper.Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature, or even better overnight in the refrigerator. The resting is essential for the pumpkin to absorb all the flavors.
I’m sure it will win you over. See you at the next recipe.
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