7 minutes
The pumpkin flower is edible. It is an ingredient that can improve the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of many dishes. We teach you how to use it.
The pumpkin flower is a very typical ingredient of Mexican and Italian gastronomy. It is a vegetable that has several health benefits. It is used to season certain dishes and manages to improve its organoleptic characteristics. For this reason, we are going to show you a series of recipes with this food to get the most out of it.
Before starting, it is important to note that the consumption of vegetables is highly recommended in the food guideline. These concentrate substances with an antioxidant character in their interior. that neutralize the formation of free radicals and their subsequent accumulation in the body’s tissues. They are decisive in preventing the development of pathologies over the years.
Characteristics of the pumpkin flower
The pumpkin flower is a food that does not have aromas, but it does have a particular flavor that can be enhanced by adding certain condiments or culinary spices. It is a versatile ingredient, as it can be mixed with other foodstuffs and used in a large number of different recipes.
From a nutritional point of view, it stands out for its contribution of vitamin C, a nutrient that have demonstrated boost immune function. Reduces the incidence of infectious respiratory diseases and makes it easier to manage your symptoms. In this way, the state of well-being is increased. Additionally, vitamin C is key to skin health.
On the other hand, the pumpkin flower contains folic acid inside. It is a key nutrient during pregnancy. In fact, supplementation is recommended to avoid problems in the closure of the fetal neural tube. This is evidenced by a study published in the journal Annales d’Endocrinologie. During this period, the requirements of the vitamin increase.
Reference must also be made to the potassium content of the food. This mineral is capable of exerting an antagonistic effect to that of sodium as far as modulation of blood pressure is concerned. According to a research published in the journal International Journal of Cardiology, It could help reduce blood pressure, which has a positive effect on cardiovascular risk.
Next, you will discover a series of pumpkin flower recipes so that you can get the most out of this food. Remember that one of the keys to a healthy diet is variety. In this way, the chances of developing chronic pathologies over the years derived from a deficit of essential nutrients will be reduced.
Pumpkin flower tamale
The necessary ingredients are the following:
- 1 kilo of corn dough.
- 250 of lard.
- 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
- Soaked corn husks.
- 1 cup of chopped pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1/2 cup of chopped pumpkin seeds.
- 2 bunches of pumpkin flowers.
Elaboration:
- Mix the butter with the corn dough, the salt and the baking powder.
- Knead everything well until you get a smooth consistency.
- Add a little water to keep the result hydrated and add a little more salt if necessary.
- Mix with the zucchini, the garlic powder and the pumpkin seeds to form balls with the dough.
- Place these balls on a corn husk and cover them with the pumpkin flower.
- Close them well until they form a small package and put them in a steamer.
- Cook for an hour on medium heat. Before consuming them, it is recommended that they rest for another half hour.
Pizza with pumpkin flower
On this occasion, the following ingredients will be necessary:
- 1 cup of pumpkin flower.
- A sliced Italian pumpkin.
- 1 poblano pepper filleted.
- a cup of cheese mozzarella.
- 500 grams of wheat flour.
- 1 sachet of yeast.
- 1 cup of warm water.
- 50 milliliters of olive oil.
- 1 cup of yellow corn kernels.
- 1 cup of tomato sauce.
Elaboration:
- Dissolve the yeast in the water.
- Mix it with the flour and oil.
- Knead until you get a uniform result.
- Let stand at least an hour to grow in size.
- Stretch with the help of a roller.
- On the base, first place a layer of tomato sauce. Then the pumpkin, the corn, the pumpkin flower and the mozzarella cheese.
- To finish, bake at 220 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes with the oven preheated.
- Before serving, it is recommended to garnish with some fresh basil leaves.
Squash Blossom Quesadillas
Also, there is the option of making quesadillas with the pumpkin flower. For this, you need:
- 500 grams of dough for tortillas.
- 350 grams of grated Manchego cheese.
- 1 clove of minced garlic.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 1 bunch of chopped pumpkin flower.
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
- 1/2 chopped onion.
- Half a teaspoon of chopped fresh epazote.
- 1/2 teaspoon of chopped dry guajillo chili.
- oil for frying
Elaboration:
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan to fry the garlic with the onion, both finely chopped.
- Once they begin to brown, add the pumpkin flower, also chopped.
- Saute everything well and add the oregano, guajillo, salt and pepper. It will only be necessary to continue cooking over medium heat for a couple more minutes.
- After the time, add the epazote and remove from heat.
- The time has come to prepare the quesadillas. To do this, he divides the dough into portions and forms balls, flattening them at the end with the palm of his hand. In the center, place a little of the already prepared filling and some Manchego cheese.
- Close well so that it does not come out during cooking and fry each quesadilla until it reaches a golden color on the surface. Once this is achieved, place them on absorbent paper and serve them with sauce to taste.
Pumpkin flower and mushroom soup
Making a pumpkin flower soup is simple. The result will surprise you. You will need the following ingredients:
- 15 mini zucchini with flower.
- 3 sliced mushrooms.
- 5 guajillo chilies, hydrated and chopped.
- 1/2 onion finely chopped.
- 2 cloves of garlic.
- 1 bay leaf.
- 1 liter of chicken broth.
Elaboration:
- Boil the guajillo with the onion, bay leaf, garlic and broth for at least 15 minutes.
- After time, strain the result to remove residue and solids.
- Put the broth back in the pot and add the filleted mini courgettes.
- Cook for 5 more minutes and add the mushrooms.
- After another 2 minutes, add the squash blossoms.
- Lower the heat and, after 4 minutes, the soup will be ready.
Includes the pumpkin flower in the kitchen
As you have seen, There are many alternatives to take advantage of the pumpkin flower in the kitchen. It is an ingredient that provides essential nutrients in significant quantities. It can help prevent deficits and, with it, the development of chronic and complex pathologies. In addition, it has an excellent flavor, so it will improve the final result of many dishes.
Finally, remember that when the goal is to maintain good health. For this reason, it is advisable to establish a series of adequate habits. It is not enough just to take care of food. Also, it will be necessary to carry out physical activity on a regular basis, prioritizing above all strength work. Ensuring frequent exposure to sunlight will be key to avoiding pathologies.
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