Warm and Sweet Pumpkin Porridge
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Porridge Recipe Using Seasonal Sweet Pumpkins
While contemplating what to make with a sweet pumpkin I bought cheaply as it’s in season, I decided to make a light and comforting ‘Pumpkin Porridge.’ It boasts the exquisite sweetness and subtle flavor of soft pumpkin, and its simplicity makes it easy for anyone to enjoy delicious pumpkin porridge. Try it as a breakfast replacement or for a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients- 1/2 sweet pumpkin (about 400g after peeling)
- 500ml water
- 0.6 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To thoroughly clean the pumpkin skin, generously sprinkle baking soda all over the surface. Then, use a scrub brush to vigorously scrub the skin. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Cut the cleaned pumpkin into 8 wedges. Use a spoon to scrape out all the seeds and stringy bits from the inside, ensuring it’s clean. (Note: Only 1/2 pumpkin was used for this recipe; adjust the amount based on the size of your pumpkin.)
Step 3
Pour 500ml of water into a pot and place a steamer basket inside. Arrange the prepared pumpkin wedges in the steamer basket.
Step 4
Cover the pot with a lid and begin steaming over high heat. Once steam starts escaping from the lid, reduce the heat to medium. Steam for about 8 to 10 minutes. (Tip: Steaming the pumpkin in a steamer or microwave is an easier method than boiling it directly in water for porridge.)
Step 5
After the steaming time is up, check if the pumpkin is tender by inserting a chopstick. It should slide in easily if cooked through.
Step 6
Once the pumpkin is steamed, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, use a paring knife to carefully peel off the skin from each piece. The skin should come off easily.
Step 7
Cut the peeled pumpkin into bite-sized pieces. Place the pumpkin pieces into a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 8
When blending the pumpkin, aim for a slightly thin consistency. (The porridge will thicken as it cooks and cools, so blending it a bit thinner initially will result in the perfect consistency later.)
Step 9
Transfer the blended pumpkin puree into a clean pot. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.
Step 10
Once the pumpkin mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for another 6 minutes.
Step 11
During the 6-minute simmering time, add 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Step 12
Next, add 0.6 teaspoons of salt.
Step 13
Stir gently with a spoon to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve completely into the pumpkin porridge.
Step 14
After the total cooking time, check the consistency of the pumpkin porridge again. It should still be slightly on the thinner side. (Remember, the porridge thickens as it cools, so having a slightly thin consistency now will be perfect later.)
Step 15
Finally, taste the porridge and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding a little more sugar or salt if needed. Once the seasoning is to your liking, turn off the heat.
Step 16
Ladle the finished pumpkin porridge into serving bowls. Garnish with pine nuts as desired for a more visually appealing presentation. Enjoy your warm and comforting pumpkin porridge!
