...and all their relatives. The mentioned are only three of 200 varieties of squash growing in Germany. Unfortunately, most are not as well known as the Hokkaido, by far the most popular squash. Its popularity probably resulted from the fact that it was mainly offered in supermarkets. Luckily this has been changing for a few years, now butternut, nutmeg and spaghetti squash are also on offer. You have to look for the unusual - no less delicious - varieties. Unless you are lucky enough to own a garden, you simply sow and harvest your favorite variety yourself.Pumpkins are one of the oldest vegetables in the world, originally imported from America. They are an extremely popular and very healthy autumn vegetable, they contain a lot of fiber and very little fat, are rich in beta-carotene and minerals. The selenium and vitamin E contained in them can serve to render the dangerous free radicals harmless. And the rich variety of varieties offers almost endless possibilities for processing and preparation like no other vegetable, from raw, boiled, grilled or baked, as soup, noodles or cake.
For example, sweet dumpling can be eaten raw or cooked, and as its name suggests, has a slight sweetness. With a weight of 300 to 600 grams, it is one of the small pumpkin varieties and has the advantage that it does not have to be peeled. Its skin is orange or white with mostly green, yellow, or orange stripes. Its flesh is light, firm, very tender, with a fine pumpkin aroma reminiscent of chestnuts.
The Sweet Dumpling is suitable raw for salads, but you can also fry it in a pan or bake it. Its pulp can be prepared like fried potatoes, and it is also suitable for soups, pancakes, purees or as a dessert.
Smaller specimens (300/400g) can be filled and cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cut off the top part of the pumpkin for the lid and carefully hollow it out. Brush the inside with pumpkin seed oil and season with salt. Put the lid on and put in the oven for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, use the pulp to prepare a filling of your choice, whether minced meat, sliced or vegetarian, many things are possible. Fill the pumpkin with it and cook for another 20 minutes.
Don't forget to fry or steam the ingredients beforehand, depending on what you have, and of course add freshly ground or grated spices to taste. Fresh garlic also fits, best grated, this is where its flavors can develop best. This is done quickly and easily with a handy ceramic grater.