Pumpkin is not just for pies – its versatile nature allows it to be cooked in various ways across different cuisines. As we approach the seasons of Halloween and Thanksgiving, chefs are sharing their favorite dishes made from this widely loved fruit. Yes, the pumpkin, despite commonly being categorized as a vegetable, is botanically a fruit!
Pumpkin offers more than just a rich, distinct flavor. It comes in around 200 edible varieties, with colors spanning from yellow, green, and blue to purple, black, and even white. The nutrient-dense flesh beyond its tough skin is packed with immune-boosting vitamins A and C, potassium that aids in lowering blood pressure, and antioxidants to combat diseases.
The beauty of pumpkin lies in its culinary versatility. It can be easily incorporated into a plethora of dishes, ranging from salads, soups, curries, side dishes, and desserts. Its hearty flavor makes it harmonious with various spices, herbs, and other ingredients, making it a favorite for chefs.
For renowned group pastry chef Karys Plaxe at Black Sheep Restaurants based in Hong Kong, the arrival of autumn signals the start of pumpkin pie baking. Using canned pumpkin purée to maintain a smooth texture, Plaxe creates hundreds of pies for the restaurant group’s cake shop, Butter, and its American diner, Burger Circus. The perfect pie, according to her, is achievable when the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with some sugar, are dissolved evenly in pre-blended eggs, and when the pie shells are pre-baked to achieve a flaky texture.
Creating delicious pie is all about the process, according to Plaxe. It’s a labor of love done “low and slow;” that is, never baking on a high temperature or with a strong fan. Their deep-dish style pumpkin pies, which usually contain around 1kg of filling, endorse the philosophy of slow baking and take about an hour to prepare. Their team continues making pumpkin pies from early November until December to cater to the customers who crave for these pies not only for American Thanksgiving but also for Christmas.
Plaxe’s passion for baking pumpkin pies brings back fond memories of celebrating Thanksgiving back home in Arizona with her family. Although their main dish alternated between ham, chilli-pulled pork, and the traditional turkey, the consistent element was the pie. As a child, her personal favorite was always the pumpkin pie.
The restaurant group’s creativity doesn’t end with human food – they even bake pumpkin cakes and biscuits for dogs! Apparently, the fiber in pumpkin is beneficial for a dog’s digestion. These canine-friendly treats also include peanut butter, flour, oats, and a hint of oil and honey.
Pumpkin dishes, born from its uniqueness and versatility, are examples of culinary ingenuity. With its rich flavors and nutrients, pumpkin has firmly established its place in many kitchens worldwide, not only as a festive ingredient but also as a versatile component that can match any dish on any day. From pies, curries, and soups to side dishes and desserts – the pumpkin rightfully holds its status as a star in global cuisines.
