Exploring the health benefits and culinary versatility of pumpkin

At this time of year, pumpkins are available almost everywhere, and they are modestly priced. They are suitable for cooking, baking, frying, or pickling and can serve as a base for savoury and sweet dishes. Many people limit themselves to creamy soups, but pumpkin is also an excellent ingredient for elaborate dishes. In an à la tiramisu version, it performs exceptionally well.

Pumpkin is a very distinctive vegetable. It can reach immense sizes, has a beautiful autumn colour, and is a versatile kitchen ingredient. In Europe, pumpkin most likely appeared thanks to Christopher Columbus and his expeditions. This vegetable was a staple of the Inca diet. Therefore, pumpkin is also called the "gold from the land of the Incas".

Pumpkin is a source of beta-carotene, which helps to neutralize the effects of free radicals, preventing, among other things, cancer. Beta-carotene also helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and reduces the risk of heart disease. Additionally, as a vitamin A derivative, beta-carotene positively affects vision, supporting the proper functioning of the macula, which improves vision in low-light conditions and prevents degenerative changes and cataracts.

Pumpkin is also a gentle vegetable that can be one of the first foods introduced to the diet of infants. It is also recommended for pregnant women and people with motion sickness, as both the flesh and seeds of the pumpkin have antiemetic properties. Pumpkin also soothes stomach ailments. It is recommended for people with ulcers, stomach erosions, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It improves metabolism and supports weight loss, especially with spicy spices. Particularly noteworthy are pumpkin seeds (read more about them HERE).

Pumpkin is often used to prepare aromatic creamy soups; sometimes, it is added to jams, such as apple jam, or in the form of purée, it lands on plates. However, it is worth knowing that pumpkin can perfectly enrich our autumn-winter menu, providing nutritional value and lots of flavour. An excellent example of the versatility of pumpkin in the kitchen is the recipe for pumpkin tiramisu.

Ingredients:

• 250g mascarpone cheese,
• 200ml heavy cream (36%),
• 200g pumpkin purée,
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar + 1 teaspoon for whipping the cream,
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon,
• a pinch of nutmeg,
• 80g ladyfingers,
• 120ml freshly brewed strong coffee mixed with Amaretto, rum, or brandy.

Directions:

1. Whip the mascarpone with 100ml of cream and sugar.
2. Add the pumpkin purée, a pinch of nutmeg, and a teaspoon of cinnamon when the cream is thick.
3. Soak the ladyfingers in the warm coffee mixed with alcohol and place them at the bottom of the serving glasses or baking dish. Then, spread half of the cream.
4. Place another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top of the cream and another layer of cream on top.
5. Whip the remaining 100ml of the cream to stiff peaks with the powdered sugar.
6. Cover the pumpkin tiramisu with whipped cream. Dust with additional cocoa, cinnamon, or cinnamon mixed with vanilla sugar.