Autumn to most of us means bringing out our favorite cozy sweaters and blankets. If you are interested in cooking and eating well, cooks find themselves turning to comfort foods, like soups, baked dishes and treats. It's also about enjoying the harvest and sharing with friends. Unique to this time of year are pumpkins. For a few months of the year, they are in abundance and cost very little. To really stretch things out, I always buy several pie pumpkins - they have more flavor than large ones - roast them, mash up the flesh and divide into 1 cup portions to store in the freezer for future use. This way, I can extend the season. Don't forget to save and roast the pumpkin seeds because they are a special treat and happen to be high in protein and a good source of phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals.
Now onward to some recipes from the archives to satisfy that pumpkin craving. Please note not all of the recipes are vegan friendly, but most are, and many can be adapted to suit dietary requirements.
I've updated this post to feature more pumpkin recipes that I have enjoyed since I first shared this collection.
Pumpkin season always brings with it renewed inspiration for cooking ideas, and the first sweet pie pumpkin of the year in my kitchen found its way into the oven for roasting and then combined with earthy black-eyed peas and Indian spices to make this colorful, filling and nourishing curry.
Rich, hearty and slightly smokey chili includes not only the goodness of pumpkin purée, but also red kidney beans, carrots, pepper and mushrooms to fill out the bowl. Finished with some lime juice and a splash of balsamic, this chili is sure to warm the toes.
This is a colorful meal in a one bowl. Filling and nourishing, this vegetarian chili is loaded with red beans, barley, pumpkin, vegetables and a robust assortment of seasonings. Certainly a dish for those cold weather days when all you want to do is cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy an especially warming meal.
I like some spice in my kitchen and pumpkin and potato combine well here to warm your spirit and body. This is an easy dish to make too, so it's great for a mid-week lunch or as part of a main meal.
If you adore little baked delights as much as I do, then you'll want to try these protein packed patties that can be served as burgers with bread or buns, or over salad greens with some homemade tomato chutney or tomato sauce. They smell heavenly as they bake in the oven.
On the subject of little bites, falafel never fails to please, especially when served up with some zesty tahini lemon sauce and wrapped in pitas or your favorite flatbreads.
Creamy chickpea and pumpkin hummus with a hint of spice. This attractive dip is a delicious feature on your autumn or winter table and also a great addition to an appetizer spread. Serve with crackers, plenty of chopped vegetables and flatbread.
A twist on my classic and spicy refried beans, I added some pumpkin purée for added depth and texture and of course, a healthy dose of nourishment.
On those especially chilly days, serve up a bowl of this colourful and creamy soup cooked with toor dal and Indian spicing. Every slurp is a treat for the tastebuds.
Tender pieces of fresh roasted pumpkin fill out this simple rice dish with fragrant Indian seasonings including panch phoran — Bengali five-spice — for an easy, attractive and delicious side.
Quinoa, pumpkin, potato and peas tossed together with classic south Indian tamarind, coconut and spices makes for an interesting, rather untraditional side that is every bit as satisfying and delicious as you can imagine. This is a hearty dish so consider serving it up with a vegetable soup.
Beautifully golden in color, this warming and spicy toor dal soup is partially blended until brothy and creamy with vibrant spicing and sweet fresh pumpkin. The tartness from the addition of lemon juice is balanced by the finishing touch of a warming takra.
Easy, sweet and spicy rice noodle and mushroom soup with fragrant pumpkin and coconut milk broth. This textured soup with pumpkin purée added to the broth lends sweetness and a depth of flavor to make this soup one that will have your guests going back for seconds.
For breakfast, waffles with a hot cup of coffee or tea are a fine way to warm up in the morning. The divine aroma of the baking waffles with pumpkin pie spicing will have you nibbling on them before the maple syrup is even poured on top to complete the feast.
Delectably moist, with lots of different textures to heighten the mood of even the grumpiest of non-morning folks like myself, these spiced muffins feature the natural sweetness of pumpkin and fruit which is highlighted by the nutty undertone and crunch of walnuts. They are also a wonderful snack, especially with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
These pumpkin squares are surprisingly reminiscent of a layer cake or an upside down cheesecake as the bottom layer is made up of dates, prunes and cocoa with that melt in your mouth quality, while the top layer consisting of cashews, maple syrup, pumpkin and spice has a bit of a crunch. No baking is required either, just a bit of patience with the food processor.
Quick and easy healthy pumpkin energy treats with dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and pumpkin spices. No need to feel guilty about eating a few of these for breakfast or a snack to keep you going throughout the day. Yes, they do contain chocolate but it is the fine quality dark variety and with all those nuts, seeds and dried fruit, do your body a favor and enjoy.
Pumpkin pie is a welcome treat, but this easy to prepare pudding is just as good and tastes much like one, except without a crust nor the fuss. Pumpkin puree is whizzed up with banana, avocado, pumpkin pie spices and maple syrup. No need to feel guilty about this nourishing and not too sweet pudding.
Moist and fragrant, this pumpkin and molasses bread studded with dark chocolate chips is not only easy to prepare, but it requires only one bowl to yield one lovely loaf. Not overly sweet, it can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
Of course, pumpkin also features well in desserts, and this light and creamy cheesecake is a fine example of that. It's crustless too. The only drawback is waiting for the opportunity to enjoy a few bites.
Who can resist the allure of pumpkin pie, especially when a homemade pumpkin purée is baked in a homemade pastry crust. Creamy and rich, with the aromatic spices we associate with baked treats, this might be the best pumpkin pie I've made yet.
Soft, chewy and buttery as a chocolate chip cookie should be, but with the additional flavor and fragrance of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spices, they make for a delightful treat anytime of day, including breakfast.
