Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Pumpkin

   Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into small, thin strips. The video shows cutting large wedges, then peeling, and finally slicing into strips.

2. 2.Chop Aromatics

   Chop the scallions into small pieces and slice the half onion. Crush the garlic cloves and the optional wiri wiri pepper together in a mortar and pestle until a paste is formed.

3. 3.Wash Pumpkin

   Thoroughly wash the cut pumpkin strips in a colander under running water.

4. 4.Sauté Onions and Scallions

   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pot until hot. Add the sliced onions and chopped scallions to the pot and sauté, stirring continuously, until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

5. 5.Add Crushed Garlic and Pepper

   Add the crushed garlic and wiri wiri pepper mixture to the pot with the sautéed onions and scallions. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

6. 6.Add Pumpkin and Salt

   Add the washed pumpkin strips to the pot. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the pumpkin. Stir well to ensure all the pumpkin is coated with the aromatics and salt.

7. 7.Initial Cooking Phase

   Cover the pot and let the pumpkin cook for 10 minutes. The pumpkin will start to release its natural moisture.

8. 8.Continue Cooking and Stirring

   After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and stir the pumpkin. It will appear softer and more liquid will be present. Cover again and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.

9. 9.Mash and Finish Cooking

   After a total of 20 minutes of cooking, uncover and stir the pumpkin. It should be very soft. Use the back of your spoon or a potato masher to mash the pumpkin to your desired consistency. Cover the pot again and cook for a final 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the pumpkin is tender and thoroughly mashed.

10. 10.Serve

    Once the pumpkin is cooked, mashed, and the excess liquid has reduced, it is ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Guyanese fried pumpkin!