It’s that time of year again when we’re looking at different ways to incorporate seasonal vegetables into our diets. But what if we told you that one of the best ways to eat pumpkin is to roast it in your oven? However, this can be easier said than done. It’s important that you’re using the right cooking oil in order to make your pumpkin chunks cook evenly and perfectly char around the edges. So, which cooking oils should you use to roast your pumpkin? Let’s explore this further.
Roasting pumpkin: why does the right cooking oil matter?
Cooking oil is paramount when it comes to cooking, but you do need to make sure that you’re using the right one to get the job done. When it comes to roasting vegetables, specifically pumpkin, cooking oils do more than just prevent the veg from sticking to the pan or tray. Using the right one will promote even browning, enhance flavour, add moisture, ensure richness and aid in the adherence of certain herbs and spices. It can also change the nutritional content of your roasted pumpkin, so it’s important that you choose the right cooking oil to roast your pumpkin. Let’s take a look, in the next section, at the cooking oils that can be used to roast a pumpkin:
Popular cooking oils needed to roast a pumpkin
There are loads of different cooking oils on the market available for you to choose from. In fact, there are so many that it becomes increasingly difficult to choose a cooking oil that’s versatile. It needs to work for different cooking methods and different foods.
But when it comes to roasting pumpkin, there are a fair few available that you can use. Each one can pack your veg with flavour and achieve the perfect tenderness. The great thing? Cater Oils is on hand to deliver a few of the cooking oils mentioned below.
So, you can count on us if you’re looking to get your roast on this autumn with classic pumpkin. Here are some of the popular cooking oils you can use to roast a pumpkin when the weather turns:
Olive oil
Fruity and slightly peppery in flavour, olive oil has a lower smoke point when compared to other cooking oils. It comes in at around 190 degrees Celsius. It’s perfect for everyday use, including roasting pumpkins. It can also be used for cold foods, like salads, dips and marinades. It’s an incredibly versatile cooking oil that is heart-healthy with a rich taste.
Coconut oil
Offering a slightly sweet and tropical flavour, coconut oil will add depth to your roasted pumpkin. It adds flavour that no other cooking oil can achieve. It has a lower smoke point when compared to other cooking oils, being around 175 degrees Celsius. It’s also available in both refined and unrefined alternatives, depending on whether you’re on a health kick or not. The other great thing about coconut oil is that it’s vegan-friendly. It also has a unique aroma unrivalled by any other cooking oil out there.
Avocado oil
Despite being derived from avocado, this oil is mild and buttery in flavour. It has a decent smoke point of around 271 degrees Celsius. Best for high-heat roasting and general cooking, avocado oil is extremely heat-stable and heart-healthy. The only disadvantage here is that avocado oil can be more costly. This is especially the case when compared to other cooking oils on the market, like sunflower and olive oil.
Sunflower oil/canola oil
Sunflower oil has a neutral flavour, meaning it won’t overpower the flavour of the pumpkin. It also has a smoke point of between 204-232 degrees Celsius. It’s versatile enough to roast pumpkin. But it can also be used to cook meats, fish and other vegetables often included in autumn dishes. It’s affordable and very widely available in supermarkets.
Butter or ghee
Offering a rich, nutty flavour that’s hard to rival, ghee or classic butter is used to add richness and depth. They also allow for low-heat roasting that will get the job done. While butter has a lower smoke point, ghee is far better when it comes to handling higher temperatures. This is because butter burns more easily when it surpasses approximately 150 degrees Celsius.
Tips for perfectly roasting a pumpkin
Now that you know which cooking oil would be best for roasting a pumpkin this autumn, it’s time to give you some tips for the actual roasting of the pumpkin. From even cutting to hitting the right temperature, here are a few simple tips for perfectly roasting a pumpkin now that the cold weather has hit:
- Cut the chunks into even pieces – the more uniform the pieces are, the more evenly they will cook, making for consistent colour, texture and flavour
- Don’t overcrowd the tray – leave enough space around the pumpkin chunks to let the air flow around more easily and to achieve crispy edges
- Season before roasting the chunks – toss the pumpkin chunks in your oil of choice, salt, pepper, herbs or spices for a bold flavour
- Get the temperature right – 204 degrees Celsius is the prime temperature for roasting pumpkin chunks, making for tender and caramelised edges that are also packed with flavour
- Experiment – combine the oils and seasonings well with a wealth of different herbs and spices. Experimenting will allow you to find the perfect flavour combination that works time after time, autumn after autumn
Cater Oils is proud to offer our clients a wide range of fresh cooking oils, including olive, vegetable, sunflower, rapeseed and more. We also provide a complimentary waste cooking oil collection service, allowing you to receive either a credit note toward your fresh oil purchases or cash in return. For more information about our cooking oil products or our used oil collection service, contact our friendly and professional team today – we’re always happy to assist.
