How to Cut It Pumpkin Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch In the Kitchen With Everyday HealthDiet & Nutrition How to Cut Pumpkin A Step-by-Step Guide There’s nothing like using fresh pumpkin in your favorite healthy recipes, but cutting this gourd isn’t the same as carving a jack-o'-lantern. Use these tips to do it the right way. How To Cut It PumpkinMaybe you carve a pumpkin each year for Halloween. Did you know you can cook with whole pumpkin, too? To get started, Everyday Health staff nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RD, shares how to cut a sugar pumpkin in this video. Next Up How To Cut It Avocado5 MORE EPISODES How To Cut It Avocado How To Cut It Acorn Squash How To Cut It Watermelon How To Cut It Mango How to Cut It KaleBy Kelly Kennedy, RDNReviewed: June 6, 2022Fact-CheckedLattes may be pumpkin’s claim to fame, but they are far from the only (or best) use of this beloved fall flavor. While all pumpkins are edible, you may enjoy the flavor of some varieties more than others. Sugar pie pumpkins, for instance, tend to be smaller, less stringy, and sweeter. Fresh pumpkin can be used in a variety of dishes, from dinner to dessert. Like other squashes, it’s low in calories and full of fiber and potassium. Pumpkin also contains vitamin C, and is a particularly rich source of vitamin A, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Once you know the correct way to cut pumpkin, you’ll be able to add it to your plate anytime. Here are the steps fir the best way to cut pumpkin: How to Cut It PumpkinSet a washed and thoroughly dried pumpkin upright on the cutting surface. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the pumpkin in half just to the side of the stem.Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, scoop the seeds out of each half and reserve if desired.Place the flesh side down on your cutting surface and cut each half in half again.Cut off the end just enough to remove the stem and the tough skin on the opposite end (called the blossom end).Peel the remaining rind from each piece using a vegetable peeler.Slice each piece into strips, about ½-inch thick.Cube the strips. Curried Pumpkin Soup Cris Cantón/Getty ImagesNothing combines the flavors and feelings of autumn quite like pumpkin soup. Here, the rich flavor of curry brings this soup to life while lending the anti-inflammatory benefits of the spices it contains (namely turmeric, as Johns Hopkins Medicine notes). A touch of black pepper is added to increase your body’s ability to absorb the curcumin from the turmeric, as described in the results of a past study. Low-sodium broth makes this recipe healthier for your ticker. Serves 6 Ingredients2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 large sweet onion, diced2 cloves garlic, minced2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced1 medium sugar pumpkin (about 4 to 5 lb), roasted4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (plus more as needed)1 tbsp ground curry powder (plus more to taste)½ tsp ground nutmeg1 tsp ground cumin1½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste½ tsp freshly ground black pepper½ cup whole milk (optional) DirectionsPlace a large stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil and onion and sauté until the onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes.Add garlic and apple to the stockpot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 to 10 more minutes.Add pumpkin and broth and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover and continue to simmer for 15 minutes.Remove from heat. Blend using an immersion blender or cool slightly and use a countertop blender.Return to the stove and season with curry powder, nutmeg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in the milk, if using, and serve. Yield: About 10 cups Nutrition per serving (1 ⅔ cup): 165 calories, 5g total fat (0.8g saturated fat), 3g protein, 31g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 17g sugar (1g added sugar), 369mg sodium NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Everyday in the Kitchen Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Most Recent in Diet & Nutrition How to Cut Acorn Squash A Step-by-Step Guide How to Cut Kale A Step-by-Step Guide How to Cut Watermelon A Step-by-Step Guide How to Cut Mango A Step-by-Step Guide