Steps

1. Thinly slice 1/4 onion.
   🕒 01:32
2. Soak the sliced onion in water to remove its pungent flavor.
   🕒 01:41
3. Remove the seeds from 1/4 pumpkin, wash, and lightly trim off the tough skin.
   🕒 01:46
4. Lightly rinse the prepared pumpkin with water.
   🕒 02:13
5. Wrap the rinsed pumpkin in plastic wrap and microwave. (Key Tip!) Briefly soaking the pumpkin with the skin on helps it cook to the perfect texture.
   🕒 02:26
6. Thoroughly squeeze the water out of the soaked onion and place it in a large bowl.
   🕒 02:52
7. Add 1/2 - 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 1/3 tsp salt to the onion in the bowl and mix to create a sweet and sour marinated onion. (Key Tip!) Marinating the onion first mellows its sharpness and helps it blend better with the pumpkin.
   🕒 03:14
8. Flip the pumpkin halfway through microwaving and continue heating. (Key Tip!) Flipping it midway ensures even cooking and tenderness.
   🕒 03:52
9. After microwaving, lightly mash the thicker parts of the pumpkin skin while still hot.
   🕒 04:08
10. While still hot, combine the mashed pumpkin and the prepared marinated onion in a bowl. Mash them together. (Key Tip!) Mixing while hot allows the onion to achieve the best texture and flavor. Adjust the mashing consistency to your preference.
    🕒 04:31
11. Mix everything together, then add salt (to taste) and 3 tbsp mayonnaise and stir well. (Key Tip!) Adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on taste.
    🕒 05:02
12. Add 1/3 tsp curry powder, tasting as you go, to add a spicy flavor. (Key Tip!) Be careful not to add too much, or it will become too strongly curry-flavored.
    🕒 05:20
13. Mix everything together, then gradually add 1-2 tbsp milk to enhance the flavor and richness, and adjust the consistency. (Key Tip!) The amount of milk needed can vary depending on the moisture content of the pumpkin.
    🕒 05:45
14. Cut 2 slices of bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry them in a dry pan until crispy and golden brown.
    🕒 06:32
15. Add the crispy bacon and the flavorful bacon drippings to the pumpkin salad.
    🕒 07:00
16. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt (to taste).
    🕒 07:13
17. Serve on a plate and sprinkle with coarse black pepper (to taste) if desired.
    🕒 07:20