10 ways to use pumpkin

It’s around this time of year that the internet starts to go crazy with recipes of all things pumpkin. While stuffed pumpkins, soups, stews and pies are plentiful, I’ve also been seeing a lot of inventive ways to use this versatile vegetable so I thought I would share with you today some of my favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin. 

Roasted

Does this not go without saying? Pretty much all vegetables taste better once roasted, and this is definitely true when it comes to the pumpkin! I love to throw my roasted pumpkin into a salad or keep it simple with some greens, a poached egg and a sprinkle of Savoury Granola.

Raw

Yes, really. Raw pumpkin is actually pretty amazing – the key is grating/spiralising it quite finely. The taste is quite mild and lends beautifully to savoury flavours. Meyer & Yolk does a lovely Asian-inspired raw pumpkin salad which is all kinds of amazing! And if raw pumpkin in a salad isn’t your thing, perhaps you could be swayed by this delicious looking raw pumpkin pie! 

In a (savoury) pie

In a (savoury) pie – you’re probably all too familiar with sweet pumpkin pie but have you tried savoury pumpkin pie? If not – you should! Starting with this little number here .

In a smoothie

Cooked pumpkin can be blended up with a date or two and your favourite type of milk to make a deliciously thick and rich smoothie – the perfect autumn/fall smoothie when a green smoothie just doesn’t seem that appealing. For extra flavour, try adding in some seasonal spices a la Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

To make sweets

Pumpkin adds a lovely flavour to baked sweets like cookies, crumb bars or health bars. Or for a more candy-like treat, try making this decadent pumpkin fudge.

A different kind of pumpkin soup

I’m sure you’ve tried pumpkin soup before, but how about jazzing it up a little to make it a bit more exciting? This aromatic pumpkin soup with turmeric, coconut and lime was one of my favorite last winter, and a great way to add a little flavour boost. Or for something more hearty, try roasting the pumpkin first, and then blending with nuts, like in this soup. 

 On a pizza

I always used to screw my nose up at the idea of pumpkin on a pizza – too many carbs! Until I tried it that is. Now, it’s one of my favorite pizza toppings. You can get my all time favorite pumpkin pizza recipe here.

In place of pork!

Well, kinda. To be honest with you, I have never tried pulled pork and I have no idea what it tastes like. My meat-eating friends tell me it’s all kinds of amazing, so I’m not saying this will necessarily take the place of your beloved pulled pork if you are that way inclined, but if you don’t eat meat, or you just enjoy trying new foods and new ways to incorporate vegetables into your diet, then try pulled pumpkin instead of the pork next time you go to make a burger or tacos.

To flavour your breakfast dishes

Pumpkin puree – made from either steaming or roasting, and then mashing pumpkin, makes a lovely addition to sweet breakfast dishes. Add it to your waffle or pancake mixture, stir it through your porridge or use it to bind your baked granola. 

Have you any other creative and different ways to use pumpkin? I’d love you to share in the comments below.

See also…….. 10 ways with zucchini