🍠 I.Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for 2 servings:
| Ingredient | Quantity (for 2 servings) | Emoji |
|---|---|---|
| Old pumpkin | 200 g | 🎃 |
| Red dates | 8 pieces | 🌰 |
| Honey | 15 g | 🍯 |
| Cool boiled water | 10 ml | 💧 |
| (Optional) Rock sugar | 5-10 g | 🧊 |
| (Optional) Goji berries | A few | |
| (Optional) Dried lily bulbs | A few |
👨🍳 II.Instructions
- 1.Preparation 🎃🌰:
- •Soak the red dates in warm water for about 30 minutes until softened.
- •Wash the old pumpkin, peel the skin, cut it in half, and remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon. Cut into 2-cm-thick diamond-shaped pieces or uniform small cubes for even steaming and neat presentation.
- 2.Plating 🍽️:
- •Arrange the pumpkin pieces evenly on a heatproof plate.
- •Cut the soaked red dates in half, remove the pits (optional), and place them evenly over the pumpkin. If desired, sprinkle with a little rock sugar at this stage.
- 3.Steaming 🔥:
- •Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Once boiling, place the plate with the ingredients into the steamer.
- •Maintain high heat and steam for 10–15 minutes. Adjust the time based on the thickness of the pumpkin and the heat intensity. The pumpkin is ready when a chopstick can easily pierce through it, indicating it’s soft and fully cooked.
- 4.Seasoning 🍯:
- •While steaming, prepare the honey syrup: Mix 15 g of honey with 10 ml of cool boiled water and stir well.
- •Once steamed, carefully remove the plate from the steamer (be cautious to avoid burns). Drizzle the honey syrup evenly over the pumpkin and dates for added flavor and a glossy finish.
- 5.Serving 😋:
- •Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm for a soft, comforting treat, or chilled for a refreshing, sweet experience.
💡 III.Tips
- •Choose the right pumpkin: Old pumpkin (mature pumpkin) is preferable for its sweeter, denser texture and vibrant orange color.
- •Adjust sweetness: Feel free to adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer not to use honey, sprinkle a small amount of white or rock sugar over the pumpkin before steaming. If using rock sugar, smaller pieces will melt more easily.
- •Enhance flavor and nutrition: Add other ingredients like soaked goji berries or dried lily bulbs for extra flavor and nutrition.
- •Avoid covering during steaming: For the best texture, do not cover the plate with cling wrap or a lid during steaming. Allowing steam to circulate freely prevents the pumpkin from becoming too soggy and helps it cook faster.
- •Note for specific diets: While pumpkin is nutritious and beneficial for health, this dish contains natural and potentially added sugars. Individuals with diabetes should consume with caution and consult their doctor. Overconsumption may also cause digestive discomfort or bloating.
Hope this detailed recipe helps you make a delicious Steamed Pumpkin with Red Dates! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
