What to Do with All the Pumpkins: 10 Creative Recipes, Pumpkin Puree Guide, and Health Benefits

As the fall season arrives, pumpkins take center stage. Whether you’ve carved them for Halloween or picked up a few from your local farmer’s market, pumpkins are more than just festive decor—they’re a nutritional powerhouse and can be transformed into delicious meals, snacks, and even drinks. If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of pumpkins this season, don’t let them go to waste. In this blog, we’ll dive into 10 exciting pumpkin recipes, explain how to make homemade pumpkin puree, and explore the health benefits of pumpkins.

Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits pumpkins bring to the table. Pumpkins aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamin A: Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health.
• Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and helps with collagen production.
• Fiber: Helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Potassium: Supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.

Low in calories and full of nutrients, pumpkins are a great addition to any diet. Now, let’s dive into how you can make the most out of your pumpkins.

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is the foundation for many pumpkin recipes. While you can use canned pumpkin, making your own at home is simple and offers a fresher taste. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized sugar pumpkin (also called a pie pumpkin)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the Pumpkin: Wash and cut the pumpkin in half, then scoop out the seeds and stringy insides.
3. Roast the Pumpkin: Place the pumpkin halves face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 45-60 minutes or until the flesh is soft.
4. Cool and Scoop: Allow the pumpkin to cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh.
5. Blend: Place the cooked flesh in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
6. Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for later use.

Now that you have your homemade pumpkin puree, let’s explore 10 creative recipes to make with it!

1. Classic Pumpkin Pie

No pumpkin season is complete without a traditional pumpkin pie. Creamy, spiced, and perfect for fall gatherings, this pie is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp cloves
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool before serving.

2. Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk

For a warm, savory dish, this pumpkin soup is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for chilly autumn days.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in the curry powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend for a creamy consistency if desired.

3. Pumpkin Pancakes

Fluffy, spiced pumpkin pancakes are the perfect autumn breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
2. Combine and whisk until smooth.
3. Cook on a hot griddle until golden brown on both sides.

4. Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin hummus is a fun, seasonal twist on the classic dip. Serve with pita or veggies for a healthy snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. Add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed.

5. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This pumpkin mac and cheese combines the creaminess of cheese with the sweetness of pumpkin, making it the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of macaroni
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in milk and pumpkin puree.
3. Add cheese and stir until melted. Combine with macaroni.

6. Pumpkin Muffins

Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these pumpkin muffins are moist, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
3. Fill muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.

7. Pumpkin Smoothie

A pumpkin smoothie is a healthy and refreshing way to start your day or enjoy as a snack.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve chilled.

8. Pumpkin Chili

Adding pumpkin to chili gives it a slightly sweet twist, while still maintaining that hearty, savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and sauté the onion.
2. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

9. Pumpkin Energy Bites

These no-bake pumpkin energy bites are a quick and nutritious snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Roll into balls and refrigerate for an hour.

10. Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy pumpkin risotto is a gourmet way to use your pumpkin puree for a savory dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and rice.
2. Gradually add broth while stirring, until rice is tender.
3. Stir in pumpkin and cheese.

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Pumpkins are a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet, savory, and everything in between. With these 10 delicious recipes, a guide to making homemade pumpkin puree, and the knowledge of pumpkin’s health benefits, you can fully embrace the pumpkin season.