It's the Great Pumpkin Stir Fry

It’s pumpkin carving time, and it’s a messy business. But these gargantuan gourds are good for more than welcoming the neighborhood kids on Halloween night. While you’re in the kitchen with your carving knives, you might as well make something with all those leftovers.

This is a basic recipe. Spice it up with some chili peppers, or toss in some torn spinach for another layer of flavor.

Pumpkin Stir Fry

3 ½ tablespoons olive oil

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

½  cup onion, chopped

3 ½ cups fresh pumpkin, cubed

½ cup fennel, sliced

2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium works, too)

Sesame seeds (optional)

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Add onions and garlic and sauté until they begin to brown. Stir in pumpkin, fennel, soy sauce and season with pepper. Cook until pumpkin is tender, stirring often (about 6 minutes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

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