How To Cut And Peel A Pumpkin Easily

If you are like most people you most likely love pumpkin dishes such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, puree but put off making your own because you cannot cut and peel a pumpkin easily.

The good news is there are a few handy secrets to cutting and peeling pumpkin, so you won’t have to resort to the often less tasty commercial pumpkin soups, pies or your other favorite pumpkin dishes.

One of the main things that comes to mind when I have tried to cut a hard pumpkin, is the possibility of cutting my hand, or cutting my fingers off during the process.

Top 3 Secrets To Cut and Peel A Pumpkin Easily

If you’ve ever tried to cut open a pumpkin particularly the jack- O-lantern variety, you will know how hard it can be. Well say good bye to that – You will soon be able to cut and peel a pumpkin easily…

NOTE: Cooking times below may vary depending on the size of your pumpkin.

The Oven method:

Set your oven to a moderate heat.

Put the whole pumpkin inside the oven.

Bake for about 30 – 45 mins (The pumpkin should now be soft enough to cut).

With a knife or skewer – (Beware when you do this part as hot steam will come out of the pumpkin) – Check to see if the pumpkin is soft enough to cut. (If not put back in the oven and check every 10-15 mins until the pumpkin is soft enough).

Now cut the pumpkin in half (Stand back without your face over the pumpkin when you do this, as hot steam will gush out of the pumpkin during this stage).

Scoop out the fleshy/seeded part of the pumpkin.

Cut or peel the skin off (If the skin is still hard to cut off – place back in oven until it is soft enough).

NOTE: Sometimes this method can give the pumpkin a caramelized taste. This can be a nice in pumpkin soup.

The Microwave Method:

Put the pumpkin inside the microwave oven.

Cook on high for a couple of minutes at a time – until soft enough to cut and peel.

With a knife or skewer – (Beware when you do this part as hot steam will come out of the pumpkin) – Check to see if the pumpkin is soft enough to cut and peel. (If not put back in the microwave and check every couple of mins until the pumpkin is soft enough).

Now cut the pumpkin in half (Stand back without your face over the pumpkin when you do this, as hot steam will gush out of the pumpkin during this stage).

Scoop out the fleshy/seeded part of the pumpkin.

Cut or peel the skin off (If the skin is still hard to cut off – place back in microwave oven until it is soft enough).

Cut pumpkin up to desired size.

The Steam Method:

Put water in a large pot and bring to the boil.

Place pumpkin inside a steamer, or a metal colander, cover with a lid and place over boiling water. (Make sure the bottom of the steamer or colander is NOT sitting in the water).
Steam for about 20 – 30 mins then check to see if pumpkin is soft enough to cut and peel.

With a knife or skewer – (Beware when you do this part as hot steam will come out of the pumpkin) – Check to see if the pumpkin is soft enough to cut. (If not put back over the heat and check every 10-15 mins until the pumpkin is soft enough).

Now cut the pumpkin in half (Stand back without your face over the pumpkin when you do this, as hot steam will gush out of the pumpkin during this stage).

Scoop out the fleshy/seeded part of the pumpkin.

Cut or peel the skin off (If the skin is still hard to cut off – place back over steam until it is soft).

Cut pumpkin up to desired size.

Now that you can cut and peel a pumpkin easily you will be more eager than ever to make your favorite pumpkin recipes, without the risk of cutting your fingers over that hard pumpkin.

You can check-out some great pumpkin recipes here – Yum Yum Central