Traditionally, pumpkins are associated with the festive night before November 1st — they are used to make Jack-o’-lanterns. These lanterns, carved to resemble a human head, are meant to glow from within to ward off wandering evil spirits. The flesh scooped out during their preparation is then used to make dishes — for instance, a homemade pumpkin drink.
Ingredients: pumpkin flesh – 1 kg; water – 1.5 liters; sugar – 200 g; lemon juice – 2 tablespoons; lemon – 1 piece (optional); oranges – 2 pieces; cloves – 7 pieces.
Preparation
Cut the pumpkin flesh into cubes and, along with the sliced oranges (and the lemon, if using), add them to the boiling water.
Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a sieve or blend it until smooth using an immersion blender.
Return the strained drink to the heat and cook for another 20 minutes, until the pumpkin becomes semi-transparent. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cloves.
After removing the pot from the heat, let the pumpkin drink cool and steep.
Tip
To prepare for winter, pour the hot pumpkin compote into sterilized jars and seal them with sterilized lids.
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