Pumpkin Appetizer with Garlic
Description
The recipe won't take much time. This spicy pumpkin appetizer with garlic tastes very much like zucchini caviar—no one will guess what it's made from unless you tell them! The prepared dish keeps for 2–3 days when stored in the refrigerator. If you like, you can freeze some of the pumpkin and make the appetizer on any day. Serve the appetizer at the table.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the specified ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
Cut the ripe, fragrant pumpkin in half, peel it, and remove the seeds inside. Rinse the flesh in water and cut it into bite-sized cubes. The larger the pieces, the longer they will take to cook.
- 3
Step 3
Pour the diced ingredients into a cauldron or saucepan with a non-stick bottom. Add salt, ground black pepper, and a couple of bay leaves.
- 4
Step 4
Pour in water and place the container on the stove. Bring the contents to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.
- 5
Step 5
Cover the container with a lid and boil the pumpkin pieces for about 10–12 minutes until tender.
- 6
Step 6
Transfer the cooked slices into a deep glass or container. Peel the garlic cloves, rinse them, and slice them into the container. Pour in odorless vegetable oil. Be sure to add the oil—the appetizer takes on a velvety flavor.
- 7
Step 7
Purée everything in the container with an immersion blender for 2–3 minutes. Keep in mind that the appetizer will thicken as it cools!
- 8
Step 8
Cool it in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes and transfer to bowls or ramekins. Serve with slices of bread or other unsweetened baked goods.