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Auyama is the name given to yellow squash or pumpkin in Venezuela, and it is the star of this traditional recipe that is part of the country’s Creole cuisine.
Contenido
How to Prepare Pumpkin Cake?
When preparing pumpkin cake, there are various versions depending on the region where it is made.
Venezuelan Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 500 g yellow squash (pumpkin)
- 300 g condensed milk
- 150 g wheat flour
- 100 g butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into medium-sized cubes. Place in a medium pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain the water and mash with a fork or potato masher. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and condensed milk, mixing with a hand whisk. Add the mashed pumpkin, lightly beaten eggs, sifted flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until you get a homogeneous batter. Preheat the oven to 200°C (396°F) for at least 10 minutes.
- Grease an 18 cm diameter cake pan and dust it with a little flour. Pour the batter into the pan, distributing it evenly by tapping the base lightly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the surface is golden. Remove, let it rest for a few minutes, and unmold. Serve immediately, warm, optionally topped with Nutella, chocolate sauce, or even dulce de leche.
Nutritional Porperties
Pumpkin cake is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant precursor to vitamin A, which contributes to eye health and the immune system. It also provides potassium, calcium, and magnesium, essential for muscle and bone function.
What Does Auyama Mean?
The term “auyama” comes from the indigenous peoples of eastern Venezuela, specifically the Cumanagoto, who called the pumpkin “huahuayama” (tascón).
Did You Know?
Auyama, also known as squash, pumpkin, or calabaza depending on the country, is a vegetable belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and is native to the Americas, particularly Mexico. It has been cultivated for over 10,000 years.
