Sweet & Savory Spoonable Pumpkin Pizza for the Whole Family
The Perfect Kid’s Snack or Adult Beer Pairing! Packed with Garlic, Nuts, and Dried Fruit for Enhanced Flavor! A Deliciously Soft Pumpkin Pizza Recipe
Introducing a unique pizza made with sweet pumpkin! This ‘Spoonable Pumpkin Pizza’ is bursting with sweetness that kids will love and savory notes that adults can enjoy with a beer. We lightly sauté sliced garlic in olive oil to boost its aroma, add walnuts and almonds for a satisfying crunch, and cranberries for a sweet and tart counterpoint. Honey enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness, while optional ingredients like macaberri powder or basil powder add health benefits and a fragrant touch. The combination of soft pumpkin and gooey cheese is a crowd-pleaser! Easily make this special treat for your family or enjoy it as a delightful beer snack.
Pizza Ingredients- 1/2 small pumpkin
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup walnuts (approx. 30g)
- 1/2 cup almonds (approx. 30g)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (approx. 20g)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 100g pizza cheese (mozzarella blend)
- 1g macaberri powder (optional)
- 1 pinch dried basil (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Using baking soda and vinegar helps to clean it effectively. To make it easier to handle, microwave the pumpkin for 3 minutes. This softens the skin slightly, making it much easier to cut without applying too much force.
Step 2
Peel and thinly slice about 10 cloves of garlic. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly softened, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. This step brings out a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
Step 3
You can lightly toast the walnuts and almonds in a dry pan for extra flavor, or use them as they are. To ensure a pleasant crunch, finely chop the toasted nuts with a knife. Prepare about a handful of dried cranberries.
Step 4
Cut the prepared pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. While you can steam it for about 20 minutes, using the microwave is a quicker and easier method, especially on warm days. Place the pumpkin halves in a microwave-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap or a lid, and microwave for 15 minutes, or until tender.
Step 5
While the pumpkin is still hot from the microwave, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. You can do this directly on the cutting board, which saves on washing up. The hot flesh is softer and easier to scoop away from the rind.
Step 6
In a bowl, combine the scooped pumpkin flesh with 1 tablespoon of honey and a pinch of dried basil for a fragrant aroma. Mix well, mashing the pumpkin as you go until smooth. You can omit the basil, or substitute it with dried parsley if you have it on hand.
Step 7
Prepare a non-stick skillet. Using the back of a spoon, spread the mashed pumpkin mixture evenly in a round shape on the bottom of the pan, forming a pizza base. Aim for an even thickness.
Step 8
Sprinkle the sautéed garlic slices and the chopped walnuts and almonds evenly over the pumpkin base. The savory garlic and crunchy nuts will add layers of flavor and texture.
Step 9
Next, scatter the dried cranberries over the toppings. Dried fruits pair surprisingly well with pumpkin pizza, and the tartness of cranberries cuts through the richness, acting as a delightful ‘secret ingredient’! If you don’t have cranberries, raisins or chopped dried plums would also be delicious.
Step 10
You’ve gathered a wonderful array of healthy ingredients! If you have macaberri powder, a light dusting (about 1g) adds a beautiful color and a nutritional boost. It’s perfectly fine to skip this if you don’t have it.
Step 11
Now for the star ingredient: pizza cheese! Generously sprinkle about 100g of shredded pizza cheese (like mozzarella or a blend) over the toppings. The cheese will melt and bind everything together beautifully, adding a rich, creamy flavor. Lower the heat to prepare for gentle cooking.
Step 12
Cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. If cooking on the stovetop, keep a close eye on the heat to prevent burning.
Step 13
Voila! Your ‘Spoonable Pumpkin Pizza’ is ready! Enjoy the wonderfully moist and sweet pumpkin, complemented by the satisfying crunch of the nuts. It’s perfect for scooping and enjoying warm.
