Pumpkins are the ultimate Fall food. Actually, I like to eat them throughout the year, which is easy because you can get fresh pumpkins pretty much all year in Pune. The pretty orange color of pumpkin resonates with the yellows and oranges of Fall. No wonder that the pumpkin has some firm property rights on your Thanksgiving or Holiday table.The pumpkin is versatile enough to do well with both savory and sweet recipes, and even stars in spicy Asian curries. This is a roundup of some great pumpkin recipes I found across the web. There is a mix of all kinds – soups, salads, pastas, pies, cookies, even ice cream. All of them are vegetarian, of course, and some are even vegan! Some of the dessert recipes have eggs in them and it is up to you how you want to deal with that. There are some popular ways to replace eggs in baking, but I cannot vouch that a particular method will work well with any specific recipe.
Some ways to replace eggs in baking –
1) Use egg replacer powder such as Ener-G. Follow the directions given.
2) Use a flax egg. Mix 1 Tbsp flax seed powder with 1 Tbsp hot water. Keep aside for a few minutes, then combine and use.
3) Use mashed bananas or apple sauce.
When in doubt, I suggest you just go with an eggless recipe. There are a lot of finger licking vegan desserts in this round up.
I am sure you will easily be able to plan a vegetarian Thanksgiving using these pumpkin recipes, whether you use a pumpkin for your appetizer, entrée or dessert.
Another common question regarding pumpkin recipes is whether you should use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin. Well, if you don’t get canned pumpkin where you live, the answer to that is simple. Otherwise you should be able to substitute fresh pumpkin puree for the canned one but you will need to modify the sugar in the recipe. Although popular brands like Libby’s Pumpkin do not have any added sugar, they definitely taste quite sweet. So you might have to use your own judgment depending on the kind of pumpkin you are using, and the recipe you are using it for.
Ok, so let’s get cracking and drool over some YUM pumpkin delights. These are not in any particular order, and the sweet is mixed with the spicy. Just to keep you guessing what the next one is! 🙂
1. Silver Dollar Pumpkin Pancakes
Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond dishes up these delectable pumpkin pancakes. Don’t go by their size. I promise you will put away quite a few of these silver dollars before you loosen your belt.
Ree wows us with her usual knack for storytelling and awesome photos. And no, all the rest of the recipes are not from TV stars. In fact, this might be the only one. I just couldn’t resist!
2. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Nicole at Pinch My Salt gives a detailed account of how to make these bite sized pumpkin cheesecakes. You cannot claim portion control if you eat them all!
3. Pumpkin Cheddar Mac and Cheese
I love Rachael Ray! So when I saw this recipe adapted from Rachael, I had to include it in this list. Like most people, I love mac and cheese, and I love pumpkin. So the two are a marriage made in heaven. Deborah at Taste and Tell believes pumpkin recipes should not be limited to Fall and I agree! Hell Yeah!
4. Pumpkin White Bean and Lentil Soup
Whether you puree your pumpkin or keep it whole, it has a nice hearty texture that is good for soups. Heather Christo gives us this rustic pumpkin and lentil soup with a classic mirepoix base.
5. Pumpkin Praline Trifle
I love trifles. They are so pretty to look at but once you start spooning some out, everything becomes a mess. Naomi Robinson at Bakers Royale solves this problem by assembling trifles in individual serving cups or shot glasses. This also keeps the calories on the lower side so you can indulge without worry.
6. Pumpkin Fudge
Fudge is so versatile. You can easily carry it along wherever you go, like on those Black Friday shopping sprees. Also great to take along to your workplace or for holiday potlucks or as part of a gift hamper. Pittsburgh girl Michelle is the Brown Eyed Baker who makes baking sound so easy!
7. Pumpkin Gnocchi
What could be better than homemade gnocchi? Pumpkin gnocchi. And what’s better than that? A vegan pumpkin gnocchi. Tossed with spinach and thyme, Dana at Vegan Visitor dishes up this visually appealing bright orange and green Italian delight.
8. Pumpkin Poppers
Clever Housewife Emily Lyon uses the familiar comforting flavors of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon to make these mini pumpkin muffins that are then plunged in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar. That’s one breakfast that will put a smile to My face.
9. Eggless Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream
Busy mom Shawn at I Wash You Dry combines three of my favorite things – pumpkin, cheesecake and ice cream to create this lip smacking frozen treat. One you can enjoy any time of the day or night. Well, I can!
10. Pumpkin Butter
I have never really got the concept behind apple butter or pumpkin butter. But Tidy Mom Cheryl provides a simple recipe that starts with canned pumpkin. Certainly worth a try, I think. It won’t last long in my fridge for sure.
11. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Lace Zhang has created this yum looking orange treat flecked with chocolate chips for Fever Avenue. A great snack for tea time or that coffee break.
12. Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins
Tiffany at My Crowded Kitchen combines the goodness of pumpkin with that of blueberries and adds some pumpkin spice flavors to give us these moist treats. My kitchen will never be too crowded for a batch of these!
13. Balsamic Glazed Pumpkin
Balsamic vinegar adds a bold twist to this simple Cumin and Chili flavored sautéed pumpkin. Walnuts add some earthy texture and crunch. Soma at eCurry pours her passion into her blog and life as she discovers delectable cuisine from around the world. We are all ears!
14. Southwestern Pumpkin and Red Pepper Soup
I love South Western food. And hence love Bobby Flay! But unfortunately for us vegetarians, Bobby is too busy grilling meats most of the time. This soup called out to me with its color, and the garnish of pepitas. Roasted red peppers will add a smoky note. You will have to replace the broth with veggie broth to make this recipe vegetarian. Chris at The Café Sucre’ Farine gives us this casually elegant recipe that is a must try!
15. Pumpkin and Rocket Salad
Natashia Bevilacqua transfers this healthy Food on Paper for a Spring salad with roasted pumpkin and Arugula. Feta adds a creamy topping and pine nuts give the desired crunch. Simply dressed with a mustard and lemon dressing, this is a great salad you can indulge in all year round.
16. Pumpkin and Kale Lasagna Roll ups
MJandhungryman share this fuss free lasagna recipe at Healthy Aperture which combines the goodness of pumpkin with another superfood – kale! These roll ups are a breeze to prepare and arrange. No need to wait for your lasagna to cool. Just spoon these onto your plate and take your first bite.
17. Baked Pumpkin with Garlic Yogurt
The simplest recipes can be the most delicious. Jennifer Farley at Savory Simple proves this with her easy baked pumpkin. Use it to top a salad, add to a sandwich, or just eat with the creamy yogurt sauce. This one’s a sure winner in my book.
18. Pumpkin Risotto
This Trissalicious pumpkin risotto is so amazing, I couldn’t stop staring at the picture. Trissa is also a good story teller. The recipe uses butternut squash or butternut pumpkin, but you could use any pumpkin of your choice here.
19. Pumpkin and Chipotle Corn Chowder
Karen at The Food Charlatan dishes up this spicy and sweet pumpkin corn chowder. Just substitute the chicken broth with a veggie one. I might blitz half of the pumpkin and keep half of it whole to make it more thick and chunky. The pumpkin and corn are sweet enough, so you can get away with adding more chipotle pepper than usual.
20. Pumpkin Pasta
Erin at Carosello brings us this simple pumpkin sauce that you can use with penne or rigatoni. Just a sprinkle of some good parmesan is enough to take this meal over the top. This could be a great side dish for your Thanksgiving table, or a simple weeknight supper. The sage and pumpkin combination is classic and the cream and cheese will stick to your ribs (elsewhere too).
21. Pumpkin Ravioli with Vegetable Broth and Beans
Michael Natkin of Herbivoracious gives a gourmet touch to pumpkin ravioli and serves it with a hearty veggie broth with white beans. An artsy meal to impress someone! This recipe needs MasterChef like skills, in my opinion, which Michael has loads of.
22. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Although I am perfectly happy with the pumpkin spice latte you get at Wawa, here is a good way to make one at home. Farm girl Brenda dabbles with coffee and pumpkins to make this lip smacking treat that will shame your neighborhood barista.
23. Pumpkin Pie Spice
How many times do you use that store bought pumpkin spice powder? Only a few times each year, I presume, and then use it again next year. Spices are best when they are fresh ground. Indiana couple Liz and Doug of Pocket Change Gourmet give a simple recipe for making your own pumpkin spice. The Allspice here makes it not so simple.
24. More Pumpkin Pie Spice
Mavis Butterfield of One Hundred Dollars a Month gives a simpler recipe for pumpkin pie spice. Want to add more punch to this? Use whole spices and grind them just before using.
25. Rita May’s Pumpkin Pie
What is Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? There’s more than one pie in this list. Rita May shows us how to make a fine pie from scratch, and also shows you how to add a fancy swirl on top.
26. Best Pumpkin Pie
This highly informative post from Everything Pies tells you how to pick your pumpkin, and also gives us a short explanation of different types of canned pumpkins. This is a great collection of several different pumpkin pie recipes along with handy troubleshooting tips. A wealth of info for a new pie maker, or baker?
27. Pumpkin Pie Crème Brulee
This pumpkin recipe is for the slightly adventurous among you. Or ones who like wielding that propane torch! Desert Living Today features this recipe from Roaring Fork Executive Chef Bryan Hulihee. This recipe is heavy on eggs, so if you don’t eat eggs, this is not for you.
28. Perfect Pumpkin Cookies
Cookies with frosting and sprinkles – wow! These perfect pumpkin cookies literally jump out of the picture and call my name. Jamie at My Baking Addiction makes these delicious frosted cookies with loads of cinnamon. And the frosting is cream cheese! Mmmm, even better!
29. Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies
Annie likes things With Sprinkles on Top. These Pumpkin sandwich cookies are held together by cream cheese frosting, and are dusted with sugar. This is one pumpkin recipe I want to try in my kitchen.
30. Pumpkin Roll
Michelle thinks its Fun2bfrugal, but there is nothing frugal about this pumpkin roll. Check out that thick creamy swirl! Made from cream cheese and maple filling, sigh! My only regret is that there is no way I can summon the finesse needed to make this roll.
31. Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Shannah Coe may have made these for Just Us Four, or just them four, but I wish she could share! Cream cheese, butter and pumpkin make the creamy filling for these snickerdoodles. Cinnamon and nutmeg take you to dream land. Hey, what’s that there, a bit more left? You got frosting on your face 😉
32. Pumpkin Spice Waffle Sandwich Cookies
Believe it or not, these are Raw! Amie Sue at Nouveau Raw gives us this scrumptious recipe along with four sensational ways to eat it. As if! 😀 You need a dehydrator to make these though.
33. Spicy Pumpkin Soup
Yet another southwestern recipe that is spicy sweet. Sommer Collier gives us A Spicy Perspective on a healthy and bold pumpkin recipe that is vegan and gluten free to boot. What could be more comforting when there is a chill in the air, and the streets are strewn with fallen leaves?
34. Spiced Pumpkin with Cumin and Coriander
Aktar Islam brings us this simply spiced pumpkin with the classic ‘dhania-jeera’ or coriander-cumin flavors of India. Coriander is lemony and the cumin is smoky and sweet. Together, they create magic. Onion, garlic and tomato make a rich and thick sauce that coats the pumpkin.
35. Spicy Pumpkin Coconut Soup
Here is yet another soup, because soup nourishes not just the body, but the soul. At least I think so. Irey at Eat Drink Paleo brings us this Thai inspired soup garnished with red chillies. Omit the fish sauce to make this vegan/ vegetarian, or use a substitute.
36. Southwestern Pumpkin Burgers
Gavan Murphy uses onions, peppers, garlic, corn and chili powder to flavor these hearty pumpkin patties. He wraps them in flour tortillas and serves them up with fresh pico de gallo and lettuce. Healthy and tasty!
37. Pumpkin and Black Bean Burgers
DC based RD Anne of FAnnetastic Food gives us this simple pumpkin recipe. It is so easy even a kid could make it. As Anne says, these burgers can be enjoyed any way you like!
38. Pumpkin Apple Dip
This is one for all the fitness freaks. Ooops, I mean fitness conscious folks and body builders. There is more than one way to get your recommended dose of protein. LA based GymPaws blog about this easy high protein pumpkin dip.
39. Creamy Pumpkin Quinoa
Alaska based Katie takes us into vegan territory with her blog Produce on Parade. This recipe sounds complicated and lengthy but Katie explains it in detail step by step. With whole grains like quinoa and millet, chickpeas, and pumpkin, this is one healthy and wholesome meal.
40. Vegan Pumpkin Chili
This vegan pumpkin chili is spicy and hearty and even a bowl will fill you up. Mike and Margherita of The Iron You use green lentils, barley and bulgur to give a strong texture to this chili. The chili powder and pumpkin make it spicy sweet. Whether you are vegan or not, this is must try!
41. Lentil Pumpkin Burgers
Momtastic Karen Biton – Cohen combines black beluga lentils with pumpkin along with a bunch of spices to make these meaty veggie burgers. Avocadoes and red onions complete the ensemble of this yummy looking burger. Not sure about black lentils? Black Masoor would taste wonderful here.
42. Pumpkin Radicchio Salad
I am not a big fan of radicchio. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be. Emma Galloway of My Darling Lemon Thyme shares this pumpkin radicchio salad recipe. You can always sub the radicchio with rocket or arugula, as Emma says. Feta adds a creamy salty background, and almonds add crunch.
43. Cheddar Pumpkin Grilled Cheese
Kristin King is Dizzy Busy and Hungry. These pumpkin grilled cheese sandwiches are cheesy inside out. Yes, there is a creamy, cheesy pumpkin filling topped with cheddar slices between bread that is browned to perfection. Pure genius, if you ask me!
44. Roast Pumpkin and Spinach Sandwich
Two Guys in a Kitchen attempt to make this hearty sandwich which is a meal in itself. Roasted pumpkin and peppers add the meat. Chili oil adds the kick, and spinach adds some green goodness. Cheese holds it all together. Bravo!
45. Grandma’s Pumpkin Pie (or The Hunt For..)
If Pie comes, can Grandma be far behind? Marie has The Knead for Speed and tries to recreate her beloved grandma’s pumpkin pie. Very few of us have family recipes written on fancy index cards. So it is always tough to recreate something made by our dear departed ones.
In most cases, it is a memory that is hard to recreate.
46. No Bake Pumpkin Pie
Melissa at Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen wants you to enjoy your pie even if you don’t like baking, or don’t have an oven. This recipe makes a delicious pumpkin or sweet potato pie. I wonder how it will taste without the eggs.
47. Sri Lankan Red Pumpkin Curry
Mike at Slow Food Magalies Valley, a South Africa based organization, shares this recipe for a Sri Lankan curry. Typical spice elements like turmeric, curry powder and chili are used with fresh curry leaves. Coconut milk makes a rich sauce for the pumpkin. This is a typical South Asian curry that is a must try!
48. Pumpkin Juice
We know the kids at Hogwarts dig this. So should you. The Thrifty Mama Crystal Collins has developed this super healthy sweet concoction called The Harry Potter. And with juice, fresh is always better!
49. Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna
Trudy at Veggie Num Num shares this elaborate pumpkin recipe. The orange pumpkin, green spinach and white ricotta make really pretty layers. Trudy also gives some options for veganizing this recipe.
50. Pumpkin Compote
This is a raw pumpkin recipe, but don’t write it off so soon. If you can eat raw meat in the form of a tartare or a ceviche, you can definitely try eating a raw vegetable! The pumpkin is chopped really fine, and paired with banana slices sprinkled generously with cinnamon. Angela Leeds at Live Green Smoothie Diet shares the story of her transformation using a raw diet.
51. Weight Watchers Pumpkin Smoothie
Gina at Skinny Taste uses pumpkin butter to make this thick spicy pumpkin smoothie. Great for a healthy breakfast on the go!
52. $1.27 pumpkin Smoothie
I am calling it such to differentiate from the other pumpkin smoothie recipes. Beth at Budget Bytes is a serious number cruncher who uses frozen bananas, flax seeds, honey and pumpkin spice to make this luscious smoothie. And this is a vegan recipe!
53. Low Fat Pumpkin Smoothie
There is something so rustic about mason jars. I just couldn’t resist this simple pumpkin recipe from Project Put That Cookie Down Now. The chia seeds may not be available everywhere but you can easily substitute flax seeds here.
54. Coconut Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Alyssa is living a Four Letter Life in Southern California. Her coconut pumpkin pie ice cream is easy peasy, and almost vegan. The honey can easily be substituted with agave nectar or maple syrup or other sweeteners.
55. Maharashtrian Style Pumpkin Curry
This list would be incomplete without a Marathi style recipe. Samita Bhave’s Mumbai Masala recipe is slightly different from my own, but no less delicious.
56. Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies
I love white chocolate, and I think pumpkin and white chocolate will make a great combination. Amanda is all for A Few Shortcuts, but her pumpkin cookie recipe is elaborate enough.
57. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Just the thought of it makes me drool! Sarah J. Gim of The Delicious Life is in search of the ultimate pumpkin cheesecake, and shares much more than just her recipe.
58. Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
Susan Voisin runs a Fat Free Vegan Kitchen most of the time, unless it is Thanksgiving and time to indulge. This pretty double layer cheesecake is sinless enough for most of us, not to mention delicious.
59. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
Why choose between a cheesecake and a pie when you can have both? Lynn shows us how, and I couldn’t be Happier Than A Pig In Mud! Leave the scorpion out if you’re making this for Thanksgiving.
60. Pecan Caramel Pumpkin Pie
I am a bit confused when someone asks me ‘what kind of pie?’Do I have to choose just one? I like my berry pies, apple pies, pecan pie, and then there’s the sweet potato or pumpkin. Oh ya, and my peach cobbler. Sigh! Ask Anna Moseley though, and she won’t be confused. Her answer is a pecan caramel pumpkin pie that will hit many spots. My kind of girl, that Anna!
61. Caramel Pumpkin Pie Mousse Pudding
Just when you think you saw it all, you come across an eye opener. Jessica likes Desserts With Benefits. Her vegan recipe is much lower in fat and can be served in small portions just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth.
And Finally…
There you go! 61 pumpkin recipes! I’ve been at it for almost two days. My right hip is numb, I have a crick in my neck, my head is woozy staring at all these pictures, and I think I stopped breathing a while ago! But its worth it. I just hope I haven’t made too many errors.
I could keep going – no, seriously – but I don’t want to give you too much information. I am sure there is enough to please every palette here, and you don’t just have to stick to calorie laden pies to feature pumpkin on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
Please join me in thanking all these wonderful amazing bloggers for their creativity and altruism. I really hope this has been useful, and you know you can let me know with a comment. Please share this with your friends so that everyone can check out these lip smacking pumpkin recipes.
