Pumpkins are plentiful in the fall, and while you may have made pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, and even pumpkin fudge, that's not all you can do with this versatile squash. For something a little more out of the ordinary, try one of these delicious recipes.
Pumpkin Chili
This slow cooker recipe uses pumpkin in place of tomato, so it yields a slightly sweeter - yet still spicy - chili.
Ingredients
Large can kidney beans
Small can black beans
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
3 cups cooked pumpkin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon chipotle pepper
1 teaspoon ancho pepper
Sour cream
Instructions
Drain the liquid from the beans and pour them into the slow cooker.
Add the turkey, onion, apples, pumpkin, and spices.
Stir well to combine; it will be very thick and difficult to stir at this point.
Set the cooker to low and cook for eight to 10 hours.
Stir the chili well. There will be significantly more liquid now, making it easier to stir.
Serve with sour cream on top.
Pumpkin Hummus
Hummus is a savory dip made from chickpeas and sesame seeds. Adding pumpkin along with some maple syrup turns it into a sweet fall dip instead.
Ingredients
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 cup cooked pumpkin
1/4 cup tahini (ground sesame seeds)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Toasted pita bread
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a food processor.
Pulse a few times to break up the chickpeas and begin to combine.
Process on high until smooth.
Serve with toasted pita bread.
Pumpkin Pancakes
These pancakes are hearty and are made without any processed flours. The addition of the pumpkin gives them a rich flavor and texture.
Ingredients
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1-2 tablespoons milk
Maple syrup
Butter
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until completely smooth and the consistency of very thick pancake batter.
Scoop out the batter 1/4 cup at a time and drop onto a hot, buttered skillet. You may have to smooth out the batter, as it can get very thick until warm.
Wait for bubbles to form on the top of the pancakes, and then flip and cook for an additional two to three minutes.
Serve warm with maple syrup and butter.
Pumpkin Pilaf
Chopped, roasted pumpkin adds a nice flavor and texture to an otherwise typical side dish.
Ingredients
3 cups cubed and peeled fresh pumpkin, cut into 1-1/2 inch chunks
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1/3 cup diced celery
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup brown rice
2 teaspoons sage
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Arrange the pumpkin pieces on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes, until they begin to brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet on the stove.
Add the onion, celery, garlic, and spices and sauté over high heat until fragrant.
Add the rice and chicken broth, reduce heat, cover and simmer for approximately 50 minutes, or until the rice is done.
Stir in the pumpkin and serve.
Pumpkin Pudding
If you like to scoop the filling out of your pumpkin pie, leaving the crust behind, this pudding is reminiscent of the flavor and consistency you love.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups cooked pumpkin
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, beaten
1-3/4 cups cream
Fresh whipped cream
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
Beat on high to combine until thoroughly mixed.
Pour into a 1-1/2 quart casserole dish, or into five or six individual cups.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, or until thickened.
Serve topped with fresh whipped cream.
Enjoy Fall's Bounty
Pumpkins are the ideal winter squash because they keep so well. Stock up this fall on fresh pumpkins and enjoy their unique flavor and texture throughout the winter months.
