When autumn comes, it usually knocks with a pumpkin in tow. Pumpkin has
been the unofficial flavor of the season for the longest time. From drinks
to easy desserts and complex meals, pumpkin’s in a class of its own.
Aside from its great taste, pumpkin also has many health benefits. It’s
high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which boost immunity and promote
good vision. Pumpkin is also good for the heart. It is rich in fiber and
potassium that can lower blood pressure and support overall heart health.
Pumpkin Flavored Festivities
This fall—whether for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a festive
get together—why not do a 3-course pumpkin meal? We list down our
favorite pumpkin recipes that are easy to cook and perfect for a holiday feast!
Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
This is a simple, 4-ingredient recipe that you can do in 30 minutes or
less. It’s vegan-friendly and dairy-free. This soup is the perfect
way to kick off the fall festivities.
You will need:
- 2 tbsp. red curry paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups pumpkin puree
- 1¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk
- Optional: sliced red chili pepper and cilantro as garnish
Start cooking the curry paste in a large saucepan over medium heat until
it becomes fragrant in about one minute. Add the broth and the pumpkin
and stir. Cook until the soup starts to form bubbles. Add the coconut
milk and cook for 3 minutes. Serve into bowls and garnish.
One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta
One-pot recipes are the best! It takes little space in the kitchen and
makes clean-up a breeze. This one-pot recipe is also very filling and tasty.
You will need:
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 4 ounces goat cheese or vegan cream cheese such as garlic and herb cream cheese
- Parsley for garnish
In a large pot, add noodles, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, pumpkin puree,
red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to blend together, and
put on the stove over high heat.
Bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes for until
the pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally. Add butter and cheese. Stir continuously
until the cheese has melted.
Serve and top with parsley if desired. Add salt and pepper to taste.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
This dessert will be the star of your Halloween feast or Thanksgiving meal.
It tastes delicious and is extremely easy to make. The best part? It’s
vegan-friendly!
You will need:
- 2 cups pecans
- 1½ cups pitted dates
- 1½ cups cashews
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1½ cups pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ⅓ cup and 2 tbsp. honey
- Sea salt to taste
Start making the crust by putting the pecans and other nuts with the dates
in a food processor, along with a pinch of sea salt. Make sure the mixture
is well-processed by pinching it between your fingers. If it sticks together,
then you’ll know it’s ready.
Press mixture evenly onto the bottom and sides of a pie plate.
Place all other ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor,
along with another pinch of sea salt. Blend until silky smooth.
Pour the filling over the crust. Smooth out the top with an inverted spatula
or knife. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight, then enjoy!
Pumpkin is delicious and has loads of health benefits—a real winner!
Let’s keep the pumpkin obsession going this fall.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.