Braised Pumpkin, with its orange-yellow color and rich aroma, is a delicacy that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Despite its tough exterior, this vegetable hides a tender and abundant interior, as if it holds an endless reservoir of sweetness and warmth. After being cooked to perfection, its soft texture and sweet flavor blend harmoniously, leaving a satisfying and pleasurable sensation on the palate. As it simmers over the flames, the pumpkin gradually becomes tender and juicy. It absorbs the essence of the braising sauce, transforming into a dish that is not only flavorful but also texturally diverse. Each bite brings a delightful surprise, carrying the chef’s heartfelt intentions and passion.
Ingredients for Braised Pumpkin
| Pumpkin | 320g |
| Red pepper | 15g |
| Green pepper | 15g |
| Scallion | 10g |
| Garlic | 8g |
| Edible oil | 500g |
| Soy sauce | 5g |
| Salt | 3g |
| Oyster sauce | 10g |
Steps:
1.Prepare a relatively old pumpkin. Cut the green and red bell peppers into pieces, crush the garlic, and chop the scallions.
2.After peeling the pumpkin, cut it into chunks. Mix the pumpkin with a little cornstarch. Then, start cooking over high heat.
3.Heat the oil in a pan until it reaches around 60% heat, then add the pumpkin. Since the pumpkin has a firm texture, frying it in the pan will give it a sticky and delicious taste. Once fried, remove the pumpkin and drain off the excess oil.
4.Leave a small amount of oil in the pan and add the crushed garlic. Stir-fry until golden brown, then add the green and red bell pepper rings.
5.After stir-frying until fragrant, add the pumpkin to the pan. Pour in half a bowl of purified water and add half a spoonful of salt. Add soy sauce and a little oyster sauce. Turn up the heat and simmer the pumpkin slowly in the pan.
6.The pumpkin itself is sweet, but when cooked with these seasonings, it becomes incredibly flavorful. Once the sauce has thickened, you can thicken it further with some starch. Add the chopped scallions and stir-fry. Now it’s ready to be plated and served.
Tips:
1.Remove the skin and seeds of the old pumpkin thoroughly for a better texture.
2.It’s best to cut the old pumpkin into pieces of similar size and thickness.
3.When cooking the pumpkin, it’s recommended to add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. This will enhance the flavor of the pumpkin and create a thicker sauce.
Tasting braised pumpkin is like traveling through time, taking us back to that warm childhood era. It not only brings us deliciousness but also a sense of gratitude for life and a longing for our loved ones. Whether it’s a chilly winter day or a scorching summer, braised pumpkin can always bring us warmth and satisfaction.