With the holidays right around the corner, pumpkin mania is in full force! This flavorful squash is not only absolutely delicious, but it’s also good-for-you, too! A rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, pumpkin is an excellent source of dietary fibers and is jam-packed with health-benefiting proteins and vitamins.
Inspired to whip-up some pumpkin-inspired meals of your own? Read on for the recipes we’re loving now!
Pumpkin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
Sweet and savory, this healthy salad will leave you (and your guests!) pining for more. It’s filling enough to enjoy on its own, but perfectly suitable for a side come the holidays.
What you’ll need:
For the Salad:
Large pumpkin, deseeded and cut into 2cm-thick pieces
Olive oil cooking spray
¼ cup pine nuts
Large bag of baby spinach
For the Dressing:
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
What to do:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and line baking trays with baking paper. Place pumpkin on a single layer, spray with oil and turn to coat. Season with salt and pepper, and roast, turning once. Bake for 20 minutes then set aside to cool. In a small, non-stick pan over medium heat, add pine nuts and cook around 3 minutes or until golden. To make the dressing, combine honey, vinegar and oil in a jar and shake to combine. Remove lid and microwave to melt honey for around 10 seconds. Shake again until combined. Place spinach and pumpkin in a bowl, sprinkle with nuts, and drizzle with dressing. Add some salt and pepper and you’re done!
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Satisfying and delicious, this creamy pumpkin soup is not only perfect for cozy nights, but it’s ultra-filling, too! The best part? It takes less than 15 minutes to whip up.
What you’ll need:
1 large onion, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 29-oz can of pure pumpkin
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
¾ teaspoon salt
1/8 tsp pepper
What to do:
Heat olive oil in a sauce pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Stir in the pumpkin, chicken broth, cream, and spices. Cook, stirring occasionally until soup simmers. Serve!
Pumpkin Pie
A no-fuss recipe, the easy filling for this pie can be prepared in advance – all in one bowl. Perfect for the holiday season and beyond, we know you’ll be whipping this up STAT.
What you’ll need:
¾ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon salt
1 15oz can pure pumpkin
1 ¼ evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 pre-made frozen deep dish pie crust
What to do:
Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Pour all ingredients into a large bowl and mix. Pour the mixture into pie crust. Bake 15 minutes, then reduce oven to 350 F and bake 45 minutes longer. Cool for 2 hours and serve. If you’re making this ahead of time, store it in the fridge.
Do you have any pumpkin recipes you love? Share your favorites with us!
Big thank you to Chef Gabino A., over at Guckenheimer for creating these delicious recipes for us!
