On a cold day, nothing sounds better for dinner than a hot soup. There are many types of pumpkin soup recipes, from pumpkin chowders to squash bisques. Lots of foods go with pumpkin—figure out what your family likes and make your own! There are recipes for pumpkin soups with scallops, potatoes, chicken, mushrooms, and even mussels.
Pumpkin is also a popular way to spice up your favorite pasta dishes. Using pumpkin puree and pasta dough, you can easily make your own pumpkin ravioli. If that sounds like too much work, homemade pumpkin pasta sauce also makes a delectable pumpkin dinner. Another popular family favorite is pumpkin lasagna with plenty of herbs and ricotta cheese. Ginger, cinnamon, mustard, and nutmeg are the perfect fall spices to top any of your pumpkin dishes off.
Other great pumpkin dinner recipes include curried pumpkin stew, pumpkin waffles (breakfast for dinner, anyone?), pumpkin risotto, and sides such as pumpkin biscuits, pumpkin cornbread, and mixed roasted squash.
But, the most fun pumpkin dinner recipe? Dinner in a pumpkin. Nothing says “autumn” like a hearty beef stew served in a pumpkin with its lid cut off (and baked inside the pumpkin). When you eat it, be sure to get some pumpkin in every bite!
Pumpkin is a squash that is grown all over the world, but is native to North America. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can always find the right type for your dinner. Be sure to ask your grocer to make sure you are buying a good baking variety. “Cinderella” pumpkins, Marina Di Chioggia, Kakai, and Cushaw Green and Gold pumpkin varieties are often the most recommended.
The bright orange color is a dead giveaway for the high levels of antioxidants inside. Pumpkin is one of the most nutritious fruits, having high levels of beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and E. Studies have linked eating food rich with beta carotene to reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, degenerate aspects of aging—and better skin! It is also low in fat and calories. For best quality, be sure to buy pumpkins in the fall, when they’re in season.
