Pumpkins can be used for cooking and also for carving jack-o-lanterns around Halloween time. Since the shell can be quite tough, we will show you here how to peel a pumpkin easily for cooking, in just 4 quick steps — 1. Slice in half and Clean, 2. Cook, 3. Let Cool, 4. PEEL.
To make peeling the shell easier and quicker, it is best to cook it first! Yes, that’s right!!!!!! Cooking it — either in the microwave or oven– will make the outer skin soft enough to peel with just your fingers.
Try out our method and simplify your life! After all, who could ever imagine that peeling a member of the squash family could be so simple, no matter what size…
As if that weren’t enough, you can also use cooked pumpkin to prepare your favorite dishes and treats. If you would like some additional suggestions, here are a few to diversify your table:
PUMPKIN BRIGADEIROS (Great for Halloween)
CHICKEN STEW IN A PUMPKIN SHELL (Use Thanksgiving turkey or other leftovers)
PUMPKIN PIE WITH GOOEY PECAN-CHOCOLATE TOPPING (Two pies in one)
CHOCOLATE-PUMPKIN-PECAN BREAD PUDDING (Not your average bread pudding)
…and coming soon, our very own Creamy Pumpkin Soup!!!
xx
How to Peel a Pumpkin Easily
Ingredients
- 1 medium pumpkin
Instructions
- SLICE pumpkin in half AND CLEAN it, removing all the seeds and fibrous strings using a large metal spoon or ice cream scoop.
- COOK it! This is the best way to make all the peeling go much easier and quicker. If cooking in a MICROWAVE, place pumpkin half cut-side-down on a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water in it. Microwave one of the halves until the skin can be sliced away easily. Time varies depending on the size of the pumpkin as well as microwave wattage. My medium-size pumpkin took 18 minutes (100 % cooking power) in a 1100 watts microwave. It is fully cooked when fork tender (or it can be easily pricked with a toothpick).
- If cooking in the OVEN, place clean pumpkin half or halves cut side up on a baking sheet (if pumpkin is large, you will have to bake halves separately) and bake in a preheated oven at 375º F for about 15 minutes (small), 30 minutes (medium), 45 minutes (large), or until fork tender.
- LET COOL just enough to handle without burning your fingers.
- PEEL it using a knife or your fingers. Either chop or purée the pumpkin flesh, depending what you are using it for. If you intend to purée, pumpkin can be cooked longer, making it much, much easier to peel the skin.
Mi Vida en un Dulce
You are right, that is the better way to peel a pumpkin: cooked!!!
Denise Browning
Thanks, Nydia!!!
Francesca
When I moved to Holland, I was missing canned pumpkin so badly. I had a few trial and errors before getting this method down. You just reminded me of first kitchen forays 🙂
Denise Browning
Hi, Francesca! I also had hard times trying to peel pumpkins for years. Cooking them first is really the best. Storing mashing pumpkins can be quite useful since one can use it to make pumpkin pies and other sweet treats, creamy soups, mashed pumpkin, and others.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine
This is a great post Denise, so many people are intimidated by pumpkins because they’re so difficult to peel. Pinning to my “tips and tricks” board!
Denise Browning
Thanks for sharing it, Chris!
Coffee and Crumpets
Great post Denise! You know my love for pumpkin 😉 But seriously, they are a headache to peel and this really helps!
Denise Browning
Thanks, Nazneen!
Raymund
Wow thanks for this tip, I always find it hard to peel pumpkins now theres an easy way. Really happy with this post
Denise Browning
Thanks, Raymund! I don’t know any other way better than this one to peel a pumpkin.
Alex
after peeling the pumpkin, can you freeze it? And for how long?
I usually freeze raw pumpkin for 1 yr. Can I do it with that?
I use it in meals during the year.
Denise Browning
Hi, Alex! Thanks for visiting us. Yes, absolutely! After cooking and peeling the pumpkin, puree cooked pumpkin in a blender or food processor; add just a smidge of water if the pumpkin is dry. Store puree in a freezer bag and use within 9 to 14 months. The reason why pureeing is recommended in this case is because cooked pumpkin chunks retain water and moisture generates spoilage. I hope this helps! Have a great week!