Step 1

To ensure you can eat the skin, thoroughly wash the mini sweet pumpkins using baking soda. Place the cleaned pumpkins in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 4 minutes. Flipping them halfway through (2 minutes per side) helps them cook evenly.

Step 2

Carefully handle the hot pumpkins after removing them from the microwave. Let them cool slightly, then cut them in half.

Step 3

Trim off the stem ends of the pumpkins and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits.

Step 4

Mash the pumpkin flesh using a fork or a masher. If you prefer a chewier texture, avoid mashing it completely smooth; leaving some small chunks is desirable for bite.

Step 5

Slice a small portion of the pumpkin beforehand for decoration on top of the bread. (This step is optional and can be skipped if desired.)

Step 6

Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Add two pinches of pink salt to the egg whites for added flavor.

Step 7

Decide whether to whip meringue based on your desired texture:

– **For a fluffy and slightly crisp texture:** No need to whip meringue. Simply mix the egg yolks into the mashed pumpkin.
– **For a moist and soft texture:** Whip the egg whites into a stiff meringue. (Note: For 2 mini pumpkins, you might find using about 4 egg whites works well. In this case, ensure the pumpkin is completely pureed for even mixing.)

Step 8

Add the separated egg yolks and chia seeds to the mashed pumpkin. Chia seeds are rich in dietary fiber and healthy fats, promoting satiety and aiding digestion. They expand significantly when hydrated (about 10 times their volume), so it’s good to drink plenty of water when consuming them. (A fun tip: Consuming chia seeds regularly can help with bowel movements the next day! ^^)

Step 9

Add sliced almonds to the mixture for a nutty, toasty flavor and stir gently.

Step 10

If you made meringue, gently fold it into the pumpkin mixture in 2-3 additions. Be careful not to deflate the meringue too much as you fold.

Step 11

Melt 10g of butter and evenly coat the inside of a microwave-safe dish. This prevents the bread from sticking and also imparts a delicious buttery aroma and flavor. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared dish, place the reserved decorative pumpkin slices on top, and microwave for 6 minutes.

Step 12

Once removed from the microwave, your warm and comforting sweet pumpkin bread is ready! Serve with a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of richness, if desired.