Cutting a pumpkin to bake it or to turn it into a lantern for Halloween is a simple process, if you have the right tools and the correct instructions. Follow the steps in this article to learn how to do this for both projects.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Bake in the Oven
Step 1. Cut the vegetable in half starting from one side of the stem
If you want to cook it in the oven, learning how to section it properly is the first part of the cooking process. Basically, you have to divide the pumpkin in half; the easiest way to proceed is to place it vertically on a stable surface and make a longitudinal incision.
Insert the blade carefully following a straight path up to the lower end, holding the vegetable still with a cloth; push firmly while sliding the knife into the pulp and completely divide the pumpkin into two parts
Step 2. Alternatively, you can proceed crosswise
You can also make a cut in the perpendicular direction, although it is a little more difficult to stabilize the pumpkin and therefore the work is more risky. Place a cloth under the vegetables to keep them stable and cut carefully.
Step 3. Remove the seeds
Use a metal spoon to scrape the seeds from the pulp before you start cooking. Most small vegetables do not contain many and those present are easy to remove after cooking; this is completely normal.
Step 4. Roast the pumpkin or cook it according to the directions in the recipe
The baked pumpkin must be placed with the pulp facing down on a dripping pan greased with a little olive oil; afterwards, you have to roast it at 180 ° C for about 40 minutes or until you can easily prick the pulp with a fork.
- Let it cool down a bit, peel it, and turn the soft pulp into a puree, in case you want to make the pumpkin pie at the end.
- For more details on how to prepare pumpkin for pies, soups and other dishes, you can do a search online.
Method 2 of 2: for Halloween decorations
Step 1. Use a suitable knife
To start carving a pumpkin you need to remove the upper portion and empty its contents; for this purpose you can use different kitchen knives: serrated, chef's knife or with a well-defined point.
- Sharp blades are easier to use and also safer than blunt ones; proceed with caution, move slowly and stabilize the vegetable before starting. In case the children want to carve the pumpkin, have this first part of the work done by an adult.
- You will also need a number of other tools that you can find at hardware or home improvement stores. Tip: Use a clean, serrated drywall knife for precision work.
Step 2. Stabilize the vegetable on a flat surface
Spread out a few sheets of newspaper on the kitchen table or sturdy, flat area you have decided to work on. If the blade loses its support, the removal of the top of the pumpkin becomes quite dangerous, so make sure that the material is firmly in place.
Spread out a towel, fold it in half and place the pumpkin on top; this way you prevent the vegetable from rolling away while you try to cut it
Step 3. Insert the tip of the blade at a certain angle
Choose a point 5-8 cm from the stem and pierce it with the knife respecting an angle of about 45 °; keep pushing until the tool penetrates the pulp for 3-5 cm.
With some pumpkins it is possible to insert the blade perpendicular to the surface, rather than at a 45 ° angle; remember that the "lid" you remove must later rest on the decoration without falling into the hole
Step 4. Continue cutting around the stem
Extract the blade, move it sideways to the first incision and insert it again proceeding with a slow, cautious movement and respecting a circular trajectory. You can make several straight cuts obtaining a hexagonal "cover", or try to carve the pumpkin in a circular way. Both techniques are fine.
Sometimes with the straight lines method the lid rests better on the decoration; if you opt for the circular cut instead, try to create a notch somewhere, for example on the back, to rest the top more easily
Step 5. Remove the lid by pulling the stem
Once you have carved the top and reached the starting point with the blade, grab the stem firmly and pull it upwards; you should be able to loosen it with some "elbow grease".
- If the stem is too small for a good grip, use a butter knife or other similar tool to pry under the lid and lift it up.
- There are likely to be fibrous filaments in the pulp holding the top, but you should be able to detach them without putting too much force into them; in case you encounter any difficulties, run the blade a couple of times around the incision.
Step 6. Scrape the pulp off the pumpkin and start carving it
After removing the top portion of the vegetable, you are ready for the "dirty work". Use a large metal spoon to remove all the pulp that is inside and, if you wish, save the seeds to roast them; then trace the edges of the decorations on the peel before starting to carve them.
- Smear some petroleum jelly on the inside edge of the pumpkin lid to prevent it from rotting more quickly.
- For more details on the carving work, read the article that you find in this link.
