These delicious pumpkin recipes are perfect for fall — and any other time of year
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Nothing rings in fall quite like pumpkin-flavored foods. Beyond a drive-thru latte or can of puree, pumpkin emerges as a uniquely adaptable and flexible squash that’s a great, healthy addition at any time of day.
Pumpkin is famous for mixing with spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg to bring sweetness to your pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, but pumpkin also pairs wonderfully with sage, rosemary and thyme — three herbs that are likely mixed in to your side dishes for your holiday feast.
Health benefits of pumpkin
Other than bringing a bright orange hue to your plate, pumpkins pack a significant amount of nutrients, and is low-calorie while providing a good source of fiber, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which helps the body fight infections, maintain good eyesight and improve skin and bone health. Pumpkin seeds also provide fiber, as well as other minerals like iron and potassium.
Easy ways to enjoy pumpkin
Pumpkin is a uniquely fall flavor, but it’s versatile enough to take on sweet or savory flavors. Try one of these pumpkin-forward recipes: there’s something perfect for any time of day.
Pumpkin pancakes
Pumpkin in the morning is already a known favorite. Luckily, pumpkin puree mixes easily into pancake batter and makes a delectable breakfast that can be packed with whole grains and nutrients.
This pumpkin pancake recipe suggests experimenting with different types of whole grains by replacing up to 1/2 cup of the whole-wheat flour with cornmeal, oats or buckwheat flour. Flaxseed or chia seeds can add extra fiber and omega-3s.
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
No, this won’t replace your favorite smoked brisket chili. But this pumpkin chicken chili stands up to a cool fall or winter evening and warms you to the core.
A blend of sweet potatoes and pumpkin chunks makes a delightfully colorful bowl of chili, and some herbs from the garden or a sprinkling of green onions over top adds a wonderful fresh bite to the bowl.
This pumpkin chicken chili recipe is great for a busy family, and can quickly be retrofitted to be made in a slow cooker throughout the day.
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
This recipe for roast pumpkin, sage and maftool soup from Zaitoun, a delightful Palestinian cookbook, will warm you on a cool fall night.
This pumpkin soup is delightful. The savory mostly-smooth pumpkin is silky and warming, the maftool (or pearl couscous is a great sub) gives it some texture and the fried sage gives it a delicious nutty earthiness. This soup makes a fabulous fall lunch or a starter to a heartier meal.
Blend most of the ingredients together using an immersion blender, but leave some chunks of pumpkin for a filling texture.
Pumpkin Bread
Quick breads are simple, delicious first steps into the world of baking. Despite having ‘bread’ in the name, pumpkin bread and the year-round favorite banana bread are formed from batter, not dough. That batter completely fills a loaf pan and rises with the help of baking powder or baking soda.
This pumpkin bread recipe is a great way to introduce kids to the kitchen, and yields two whole loaves, so it’s perfect to make for your family and for a gift. A loaf of spiced bread can be a welcomed gift for a senior neighbor. Teachers and bosses who are time-starved can enjoy a homemade loaf or two.
The pumpkin bread comes together quickly and bakes over an hour, so it’s a great weekend activity to fill your home with the amazing scents of baked pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
