Fall is the perfect time to indulge in delicious pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are 10 pumpkin recipes to try this autumn.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin is in a creamy pumpkin soup. Simmer cubed pumpkin with vegetable broth, onions, garlic and your choice of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin or chili powder. Puree the soup until smooth and creamy and top it off with pumpkin seeds, croutons, or fresh herbs.
For a heartier meal, make pumpkin mac and cheese. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and pumpkin puree. Simmer until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Toss the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs and broil until bubbly.
If you have a sweet tooth, bake classic pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. For pie, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Pour into a pie crust and bake. For bread, mix pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, sugar, flour and spices. Bake in a loaf pan until a toothpick comes out clean. Spread with cream cheese frosting for extra decadence.
For breakfast, make pumpkin pancakes or waffles. Add pumpkin puree to your favorite pancake or waffle batter along with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or waffles in a waffle iron until golden brown. Top with maple syrup, whipped cream or pumpkin butter.
Pumpkin also pairs well with pasta in dishes like pumpkin ravioli. Make your own ravioli with a pumpkin ricotta filling, or use pre-made ravioli. Sauté the ravioli in butter and sage, then toss with parmesan cheese, toasted walnuts or pine nuts and a white wine sauce.