pumpkin scones with poppy seeds zante zakynthos

Pumpkin Scones With Poppy Seeds

By Angeliki Xanthaki
Published on 14 Jul, 2016

If the only thing you have ever done with pumpkin is carve it and fill it with a candle, you are not alone. Many people tend to think of pumpkins as little more than just a Halloween decoration or a Thanksgiving pie filling, but you may want to rethink this plump orange plant.

Pumpkin is an extremely nutrient dense food, meaning it is chock-full of vitamins and minerals but low on calories. There are many creative ways pumpkin can be incorporated into your diet, including desserts, soups, salads, preserves and even as a substitute for butter.

Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin A.
Pumpkin is one of the best-known sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene.
The potassium contained within pumpkins can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
The antioxidants and vitamins contained within pumpkins could prevent degenerative damage to the eyes.

Pumpkins are so versatile; the things you can do with them are endless! Their flavour goes well with chilli, nutmeg and sage. If you’ve never cooked one before, you’re in for a real treat.
In Greece, you can find pumpkins from June until Christmas. So, next time pumpkin season comes around, don’t carve it, cook it up and eat it!

These scones are fluffy, soft and very cheap to make! Try them with a homemade jam or with red pepper sauce when they are just baked!

pumpkin scones with poppy seeds zante zakynthospumpkin scones with poppy seeds zante zakynthospumpkin scones with poppy seeds zante zakynthospumpkin scones with poppy seeds zante zakynthos

 

How to make

It makes 20-24

Ingredients

2 ½ cups self-raising flour
1 ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
100 gr. soft unsalted margarine
¾ cup pumpkin puree (200 gr)

Optional: a beaten egg for brushing

Method

Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
For the pumpkin
Cut a 200 gr. piece of pumpkin. Peel it and remove seeds.
Place pumpkin in a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring water to boil until pumpkin pieces are tender, about 10 minutes.
When that’s done, turn heat off, drain the pumpkin and let it cool.
Mash, purée in a blender or food processor.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, poppy seeds and salt in a large bowl.
Using your fingers, rub margarine into dry ingredients until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add pumpkin to flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
The dough should not stick to hands. If sticky, sprinkle the dough with a little more flour.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface.
Roll out the dough to about 1-1 ½ cm thick and cut into circles with a round cutter.
Place the scones evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
Brush lightly with beaten egg.
Bake scones for about 20 minutes at 170 C degrees or until golden brown.