Introduction
Pumpkin is one of the most popular autumn vegetables and one of the stars of one of our favorite creams. In this article, I will share with you my seven tricks for making the best pumpkin cream. These tips will help you obtain a delicious and perfect cream in each preparation.
Trick 1: Preparation of the pumpkin
The first step to making a spectacular pumpkin cream is to peel and cut the pumpkin into small pieces. This will allow it to cook evenly and mix better with the rest of the ingredients. Remember to discard the hairs inside, as they can give the recipe a too sweet flavor.
Trick 2: Browning the pumpkin
After cutting the pumpkin, it is important to brown it well in a pot with a little olive oil. Browning it activates the Maillard reaction, which will give the cream a more intense flavor. Make sure the squash pieces are not too large so they brown evenly.
Trick 3: Combination of vegetables
In addition to pumpkin, you can add other vegetables to your cream to give it more flavor and texture. Vegetables from the Allium genus, such as garlic, onion and leek, combine very well with pumpkin. You can also add root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots or parsnips. Remember to lightly brown these vegetables before continuing with the recipe.
Trick 4: Using spices
Spices are key to enhancing the flavor of pumpkin cream. You can add spices such as nutmeg, cumin or turmeric to give it a special touch. If you like it spicy, you can add a little chili flakes or paprika. Adjust the spices according to your personal taste.
Tip 5: Cook with broth
To give your cream more flavor, I recommend cooking it with broth instead of just water. You can use homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version. If you don’t have homemade broth, you can also use a bouillon cube dissolved in water. The broth will enhance the flavor of the cream and give it more depth.
Trick 6: Add dairy
Once all the vegetables are cooked, it is time to blend the puree and add dairy. You can use evaporated milk, cream or a mixture of both to give the cream a creamy texture. The choice of dairy will depend on your personal preferences.
Trick 7: Garnish and presentation
To give a final touch to your pumpkin cream, you can add a crunchy garnish. You can use dried onion, nuts, croutons or even fried bacon. These ingredients will give texture and flavor to the cream. You can also add a touch of acidity with crumbled feta cheese or some pickles. Presentation is important, so be sure to serve the pumpkin cream on pretty plates and garnish it with some fresh parsley.
