If there is one vegetable that’s synonymous with October, it’s the pumpkin. Whether it’s carved or decorated, Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without this humble orange veg. And it’s because of this that you’ll soon find it everywhere.
But it’s so much more than a jack-o’-lantern and, while it’s in all the supermarkets and in season, there’s no better time to enjoy its deliciousness.
Pumpkin is an incredibly versatile vegetable to cook with – it can be boiled, steamed or roasted until wonderfully soft and caramelised. It’s also a great source of vitamin C, which our bodies need for immune health, teeth and gum health among other things. Read on for some delicious pumpkin recipes.
- Not sure how to prep a pumpkin? It’s super easy:
- Place your pumpkin on a chopping board on top of a tea towel to stop it moving around
- Carefully cut the pumpkin in half down the middle with a large, sharp knife
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a large spoon (or your hands).
- Slice the pumpkin into chunks.
Tip: don’t throw away the seeds! Find out how to roast pumpkin seeds to make the most delicious, nutritious snack.
For those looking for some pumpkin-carving tips, check out our ultimate guide here.
Once it’s prepped, your pumpkin is ready to be cooked. Whether you’re looking to make comforting curries and soups or lightly spiced sweet treats, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight great pumpkin recipes.
This vegan recipe teams pumpkin with chickpeas, coconut milk and spices to create a curry that is hearty, warming and ridiculously good. Try making it ahead of time if you can, as this will give all the gorgeous flavours a chance to develop. Delicious served with naan bread, rice and chutney on the side.
If you’ve never made houmous using pumpkins, give it a go! Simply roast your pumpkin in the oven until soft, then blitz it with the rest of the ingredients for a rich, creamy and vibrant houmous. Serve with toasted pitta bread, chopped veggies or these spooky snake straws for dunking.
Smooth pumpkin and zingy fresh ginger pair beautifully in this nourishing and comforting soup. With a kick of chilli powder, this dish is perfect as an elegant starter or light lunch during the colder months. Topped with fresh herbs, lime juice and a splash of coconut milk, it’s a total dream.
Rice is steamed with chunks of pumpkin, veggies, coconut milk and fragrant herbs and spices that really bring the dish to life. Stir through some butter beans at the end and the result is a wonderfully aromatic dish packed with a medley of flavours and textures. Ready in under an hour, it’s a guaranteed winner.
Oven-baked pumpkin stuffed with nutty, fruity rice is a show-stopping centrepiece that’s sure to go down a storm at a dinner party. The combination of sweet dried cranberries, pistachios and aromatic spices make this dish a real favourite. Serve in the middle of the table, cut it into thick wedges and let everyone dig in!
Not just for savoury dishes, this beautifully spiced loaf made with pumpkin purée and chocolate is properly delicious. To make pumpkin purée, simply mash or blend cooked pumpkin until smooth – a great way to use up any leftover pumpkin. Topped with ginger icing and sprinkled with clementine zest, it makes the perfect afternoon-tea treat.
Want something more special than the shop-bought stuff? This beautifully fragrant and tangy pumpkin pickle is well worth the effort. Once the pickle is ready, spoon it into jars and it’ll be ready to eat in a few weeks – we promise it’s worth the wait! There are so many ways to enjoy this pickle, but we love it for a next-level cheese sandwich.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty seasonal pie or baking for Thanksgiving, Jamie’s gluten-free take on the classic American dessert is a real show-stopper. With a warming mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a beautiful lattice pastry, it makes for an impressive autumnal dessert. What’s not to love?
Looking for more inspiration? Check out more ways to make pumpkin pies or this recipe for homemade pumpkin spice latte.
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