Pieces of Pumpkin with Cuban Mojo Criollo.

 

Pumpkin with Cuban Mojo Criollo

A classic of the Cuban table that combines the tenderness of boiled pumpkin with a hot, aromatic mojo sauce. This simple dish is a gem served in Cuban homes as either a side dish or an appetizer.

🥘 Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds of pumpkin (with skin)
  • Salt to taste (1 teaspoon for boiling, 1/4 teaspoon for the garlic)
  • 2 sour oranges (their juice)
  • 9 garlic cloves
  • 3 ounces of extra virgin olive oil or lard
  • 1/2 onion, preferably white

 

 

👨‍🍳 How to prepare it step by step

1. Boil the pumpkin

Wash the pumpkin well and cut it into medium-sized pieces without removing the skin. In a pot, boil enough water with one teaspoon of salt. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the pieces and cook covered until they are tender but still firm.

2. Prepare the mojo criollo

While the pumpkin is cooking, crush the garlic with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a mortar. Then finely chop the onion. In a frying pan, place the chosen fat (oil or lard) together with the crushed garlic. Turn on the heat and sauté over low temperature until it begins to take on color.

3. Add the flavors

Add the chopped onion to the pan and let it soften well. When it becomes transparent and fragrant, add the sour orange juice, stir to combine, and remove from the heat. The mojo is now ready to crown your dish.

4. Plate and enjoy

Drain the pumpkin well and place it on a serving platter. Pour the hot mojo over the pieces, making sure to distribute it evenly. Serve immediately, preferably as an accompaniment to meats or rice.

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ℹ️ Recipe details

  • Servings: 6 portions
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Root Vegetables & Cooked Veggies
  • Cuisine: Cuban

✅ Helpful tips for best results

  • Do not remove the skin: it helps maintain the shape during cooking and enhances the flavor.
  • If you do not have sour orange, you can use a mixture of lemon and sweet orange (1:1 ratio).
  • For a more traditional Cuban flavor, use lard.

📌 Suggested tags

pumpkin with mojo, traditional Cuban cuisine, pumpkin recipes, Cuban side dishes, Cuban-style root vegetables

📣 Tell us about your experience!

Have you prepared this recipe? Share it with your friends, comment with your variations, and come back soon for more treasures of Cuban cuisine. Enjoy your meal!

For the Spanish version, visit: Calabaza con Mojo Criollo: Sabor Auténtico de la Cocina Cubana.