Sweet and Sour Pumpkin

Sweet and sour pumpkin is a delicious side dish that marries sweet and tart flavors, typical of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 500 g of pumpkin
• 1 red onion
• 50 g of brown sugar
• 50 ml of apple cider vinegar or white wine
• 30 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Aromatic herbs to taste (for example, thyme or rosemary)

Preparation

1. Clean the pumpkin by removing the skin and seeds, then cut it into uniformly sized cubes.
2. In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and then add the cubed pumpkin; let it sauté over medium-high heat until it starts to lightly brown.
3. In another pan, sauté the finely chopped red onion with a drizzle of oil, until it becomes translucent.
4. Add the sautéed onion to the pumpkin, and then sprinkle with the brown sugar, mixing well.
5. When the sugar begins to caramelize slightly, deglaze with the vinegar and allow to evaporate for a few minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, add a pinch of cinnamon if you like, and the chosen aromatic herbs.
7. Let it cook for about 20 minutes on low heat, or until the pumpkin becomes soft but not mushy, adding a little water if necessary to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan.
8. Serve your dish hot or at room temperature, according to your preferences.

Sweet and sour pumpkin pairs very well with hearty dishes, such as roasted meats or aged cheeses. Moreover, to give it a more Italian touch, you could enhance your preparation with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Enjoy your meal!