5 Recipes to do with pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients of the fall season, adding rich flavors, vibrant colors, and a touch of sweetness to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for savory meals or sweet treats, pumpkin can elevate any recipe. Here are some delightful pumpkin-based recipes to try:

1. Classic Pumpkin Soup

This warm, creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s easy to make and loaded with comforting flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized pumpkin (or canned pumpkin puree)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk or cream
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Peel, de-seed, and chop the pumpkin into cubes (if using fresh pumpkin).
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the pumpkin cubes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pumpkin is tender (about 20-30 minutes).
4. Blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender or a food processor.
5. Stir in the coconut milk or cream, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons.

2. Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin pancakes are a delicious way to start your morning, combining the fluffy texture of pancakes with the warming spices of fall.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, egg, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease it with butter or oil.
5. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

3. Savory Pumpkin Risotto

For a savory dish that feels indulgent yet seasonal, pumpkin risotto is a great choice. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup white wine (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin cubes and cook until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.
4. Add white wine (if using) and let it reduce.
5. Gradually add the vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and cooked through.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan.

4. Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a classic fall favorite, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. It’s moist, lightly spiced, and full of pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool before slicing. Enjoy with butter or cream cheese.

5. Pumpkin and Chickpea Curry

For a cozy, healthy meal, pumpkin curry offers a unique blend of spices and textures, paired perfectly with chickpeas for added protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin, cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the curry powder and turmeric, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Stir in the pumpkin cubes and chickpeas, then pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth.
4. Simmer the curry for 15-20 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

6. Pumpkin Pie

No pumpkin recipe list is complete without the classic pumpkin pie. Its creamy filling and flaky crust make it a must for any fall gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set.
5. Let the pie cool before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon.