Creative Pumpkin Recipes

Creative Pumpkin Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snack Time

11/4/2016

By Rebekah Owens

In the fall, pumpkins are everywhere. They are fun to decorate and even more fun to eat. Elizabeth Parker, PhD, RD, registered dietitian, nutrition expert and researcher at the Center for Integrative Medicine, told me:

One cup of pumpkin has about 80 kcals and is a great source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A.
Canned pumpkin can be used in baked goods as a substitute of oil and eggs.
¼ cup of pumpkin can be substituted per egg, and equal amounts of pumpkin can be substituted for oil (ie 1 cup pumpkin if you need 1 cup oil).
You can add it to some of your favorite foods to boost the nutrient value, and often even the pickiest of eaters won’t know the difference! (pancakes, cookies, brownies, breads, oatmeal, curries, soups etc)

Here are some creative recipes that use pumpkin as a main ingredient. From pumpkin spice lattes and pancakes to ravioli, soup and curry to energy bites and bread, I pulled together a variety of recipes that cover every meal. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Clean Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte

From Amy’s Healthy Baking
http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2015/10/04/clean-skinny-pumpkin-spice-latte/

All it takes are a few simple ingredients to create a decadent and delectable coffee that will be envied by everyone at your morning meeting. Milk (of any variety), pumpkin puree, extra strong coffee, and spices are combined to make a healthy version of this popular seasonal drink.

Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes

From Lively Table
http://livelytable.com/healthy-pumpkin-pancakes/

Mix together wholesome ingredients to make a wonderful, filling breakfast. These fluffy pancakes can easily be made gluten free. They should reheat well, so you can make a stack ahead of time and eat them several days in a row. Good morning!!

Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter

From Williams Sonoma
http://blog.williams-sonoma.com/pumpkin-ravioli-with-sage-butter/

Need an excuse to break out your pasta maker? Here is the perfect recipe – impressive, but actually quite simple. Elegant and delicious, this combination of tastes is sure to please the whole crowd and most importantly - you!

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup

From Recipe Runner
http://reciperunner.com/roasted-butternut-squash-pumpkin-soup/

This creamy soup uses no sweeteners – the flavor comes from fresh butternut squash and pumpkin, as well as white pepper, garlic, nutmeg, coriander and a dash of kosher salt. It is topped off with spiced pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a wonderful meal or side dish in the fall and winter.

Chickpea Pumpkin Coconut Curry

From Emilie Eats
http://www.emilieeats.com/chickpea-pumpkin-coconut-curry-vegan/

This warm curry will keep you feeling cozy as the weather gets colder. With only seven steps, this recipe is easy and should rewarm well. It is comprised of pumpkin puree, carrots, tomatoes, onion, chickpeas and a slew of savory spices. Bon appetite!

Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry Energy Bites

From Organize Yourself Skinny
http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2016/10/14/healthy-pumpkin-energy-bites-recipe/

These are an office favorite when I bring them in to share. Simple ingredients mixed together for a delightful treat that is filling and light at the same time. Made with pumpkin puree, oats, peanut butter, cranberries, flax seeds, and chia seeds, these energy bites are the perfect pick me up at snack time – or any time.

Healthy Pumpkin Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread

From Ambitious Kitchen
http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2014/09/healthy-pumpkin-zucchini-chocolate-chip-bread/

This low fat bread is made with two vegetables (pumpkin and zucchini), whole wheat flour, and loads of spices. Perfect for an afternoon or evening snack or even for breakfast. It would be great to take to a party or share in the office. Moist and delicious – and healthy, too!

I hope you enjoy these wonderful dishes. Please let me know what you think and feel free to add to this list in the comments section.

About the Author: Rebekah Owens

Rebekah is the Public Relations Specialist and Assistant to the Director at the Center for Integrative Medicine. She is also a massage therapist and a health food foodie who enjoys cooking and bringing samples in for her colleagues to test.

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