15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (2024)

Though you may wait until mid-October to put out your Jack-o'-Lantern, you don't have to wait as long to put pumpkin to work in your kitchen—the fruit actually begins to ripen in September. Local farmers will continue to offer succulent, fleshy pumpkins throughout autumn, and since they hold up so well, you can often find them at local markets well into winter.

The best pumpkins for cooking are very different from those you would choose to decorate. The ubiquitous field pumpkin—which is the most common variety used in carving—has watery, stringy flesh and isn't recommended for eating. Whether you're choosing to bake a classic pumpkin pie or simmer a large pot of pumpkin soup, you'll want to ask for sugar pumpkins or cheese pumpkins at the market. They're just as widely available, but they're much better suited to cooking and baking thanks to their dense, sweet flesh.

In their original form, pumpkins can keep for up to a month in a cool spot in your kitchen. If you want to continue cooking and baking fresh pumpkin recipes closer to the holidays, keep the pumpkin whole and store it in a cool cellar. That way it can retain its freshness for up to three months. Once you've cut into a pumpkin, however, the pieces should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated; you have up to five days to use both the flesh and seeds.

28 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, Including Everything from Pies to Cheesecake

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Roasted Pumpkin With Shallots and Sage

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (1)

Sweet, tender sugar pumpkin is roasted with olive oil, sage, and shallots for an easy side dish on its own or tossed with rice, couscous, or pasta. In place of sage, you could use another robust herb, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

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Mashed Potatoes With Pumpkin and Greens

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (2)

Give mashed potatoes a colorful, healthy upgrade by adding pumpkin and chard to the mix.

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Pumpkin and Pecorino Gratin

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (3)

Sugar-pumpkin purée is seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then baked under a crown of crunchy breadcrumbs and Romano cheese. This casserole makes a magnificent side dish with roast chicken or pork or a fabulous vegetarian entrée.

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Sugar Pumpkin Pasta With Garlic and Walnuts

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (4)

So very fall! This whole-wheat pasta dish is hearty, not heavy, and full of flavor thanks to cubes of roasted sugar pumpkin, plenty of garlic, toasted walnuts, and a touch of umami from anchovies. Sure, you can skip the anchovies if you must, but we think you'll find they add so much flavor to the finished dish.

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Pumpkin Pie

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (5)

We're sneaking a pie in to this collection of fresh pumpkin recipes because it's made with fresh—not canned—pumpkin and it's just so good. This pie has more delicious depth of flavor thanks to the roasted fresh pumpkin and just the right amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Make extra purée and freeze it so you can enjoy pumpkin desserts throughout the season.

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20 Seasonal Recipes That Start With Canned Pumpkin Puree

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Roasted Pumpkin

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (6)

Our recipe for basic roasted pumpkin is simple and very versatile. You can eat the sweet, fibrous flesh straight out of the shell with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you can get creative and use the roasted pumpkin flesh for purée or scope out the flesh and use it for Mashed Pumpkin with Cumin and Maple.

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Roasted Squash, Apple, and Cipollini Onion Salad

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (7)

Though the recipe title says "squash," this recipe can and should be made with sugar pumpkin. It's a hearty winter salad with mellow roasted vegetables and apples contrasting with the peppery watercress.

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Roasted Pumpkin Soup

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (8)

Fresh pumpkin is roasted with onion and shiitake mushrooms, then puréed to make a creamy (but cream-free!) soup. An immersion blender makes quick work of this simple, hearty meal.

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Coconut, Fish, and Pumpkin Stew

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (9)

This lively one-pot dinner features coconut milk, cod, pumpkin (or calabaza), baby spinach, and a touch of chile for a filling and healthy meal.

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White Bean and Sausage Stew in Pumpkin Bowls

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (10)

All dressed up for a fabulous fall dinner party, this hearty stew is baked in sugar pumpkins. A combination of navy beans, turkey sausage, mushrooms, carrots, leeks, potatoes, and peas makes a delicious, filling meal.

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Rigatoni With Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (11)

This easy, satisfying pasta dish is full of tender roast pumpkin and tangy goat cheese. For an even quicker dinner, roast the pumpkin ahead of time and heat it up just before tossing with the rigatoni.

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Beef, Pumpkin, and Shiitake Soup

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (12)

Starring sugar pie pumpkin or calabaza, this slowly simmered soupy stew is easy to make. It takes just 15 minutes of prep. When the beef chuck or neck bones are fork-tender, you add the vegetables that won't need long to cook. Fresh basil and a splash of fish sauce are not to be skipped for serving—the latter adds an exceptional hint of umami flavor.

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Pumpkin Soup With Wild Rice and Apples

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (13)

You can't go wrong with a tasty meal that doubles as décor. Mini pumpkins are filled with creamy pumpkin soup, then topped with chewy wild rice, crunchy almonds, and juicy apples. To serve this recipe as an entrée, add a protein (like roasted chicken or turkey) and more rice per pumpkin.

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Pumpkin Dip

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (14)

Give your next dip a fall-forward twist with this savory pumpkin version. Enjoy it with chopped vegetables, butter crackers, or crusty bread for a mouthwatering appetizer or snack.

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Maple Roasted Pumpkin Salad

15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (15)

Leafy green salad gets a seasonal upgrade with maple-sweetened roasted pumpkin. Crumbled feta cheese offers a tangy and creamy element, but you can use goat cheese or bleu cheese as well.

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15 Fresh Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, From Soup and Stew to Pasta and Pie (2024)

FAQs

Which herbs go well with pumpkin? ›

Ingredients
  • Pumpkin, cut into thick slices.
  • Oregano.
  • Rosemary.
  • Thyme.
  • Coriander.
  • Dill.
  • Salt.
  • Pepper.

What kind of pumpkin is best for soup? ›

Best pumpkin for pumpkin soup

Use any type of eating pumpkin you want OR butternut squash (which is called butternut pumpkin in Australia). DO NOT use Halloween carving pumpkin used to make Jack-O-Laterns. While they are edible, they are not that tasty! US: sugar pumpkin or butternut squash.

Why is my pumpkin soup bland? ›

If you think the soup is bland, try adding salt to make all the flavors pop. Use All The Spices Listed. I know it might seem like a long list, but they are all delicious and important for giving the soup a warm and spicy quality: Thyme, Cumin, Ginger, Poultry Seasoning and Cinnamon.

What goes with pumpkin soup? ›

It's wonderful with a drizzle of coconut milk, microgreens or chopped fresh cilantro, toasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds, and/or fresh black pepper. Crusty homemade croutons are delicious too! Enjoy the soup on its own, with a hunk of crusty bread or homemade focaccia on the side, or make it part of a larger meal.

What seasoning goes best with pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is notorious for pairing well with warm winter spices – as found in a variety of Moroccan-inspired cuisines. Try incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and chilli with your pumpkin dishes for flavour-packed feasts.

What can I add to pumpkin to make it taste better? ›

Instead of using premixed pumpkin pie spice (which has probably been sitting around for months on a grocery store shelf), make your own by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

What thickens pumpkin soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

Is pumpkin soup good for blood pressure? ›

Pumpkin provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which can help keep your heartbeat regular and your blood pressure low.

What does pumpkin soup do to your body? ›

Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.

Why does my pumpkin soup taste sour? ›

If the fresh pumpkin is overripe, it can start to ferment and develop a sour taste. Another factor to consider is the type of fresh pumpkin you're using.

Why is my pumpkin soup so watery? ›

“Pumpkin soup is best made with your good, old-fashioned varieties like butternut or Queensland blue — the harder pumpkins,” she says. “Soft fleshed pumpkins can make the soup a little watery. They are a different beast… from your standard greengrocer pumpkin.”

How does Gordon Ramsay make pumpkin soup? ›

Scoop out the flesh from 2 or 3 roasted garlic cloves and add to the pan with the nutmeg and a little seasoning. Sauté for a further 1–2 minutes. Stir in the soft pumpkin and Parmesan, then pour in the stock. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

Is pumpkin soup good for your stomach? ›

For those watching their calorie intake, pumpkin is a fantastic choice. It's low in calories but still provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, which support digestive health and your immune system. Its high fiber content also helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

What is a pumpkin soup? ›

Pumpkin soup is a usually 'bound' (thick) soup made from a purée of pumpkin. It is made by combining the meat of a blended pumpkin with broth or stock. It can be served hot or cold, and is a common Thanksgiving dish in the United States.

How do you empty a pumpkin for soup? ›

On a large cutting board, place the tip of a large knife in the centre of your pumpkin just next to the stem. Push the tip of the knife in, and cut clean lines straight down. Slice the pumpkin into quarters. Remove the seeds with a spoon.

What is compatible with pumpkin? ›

Companion planting pumpkins with heat-tolerant, pollinator-attracting neighbors can help them manage. Aromatic herbs like oregano, chives, chamomile, marjoram, tansy, and hyssop.

What not to plant with pumpkins? ›

While you might be tempted to grow pumpkins with other cucurbit vegetables, such as cucumbers, squash, and zucchini, this isn't a good idea. These plants are all heavy feeders competing for soil nutrients and space, and they're prone to the same pests, like squash bugs.

What are good herb combinations? ›

Herb combinations
  • basil – with chives, chilli, garlic, oregano.
  • bay – with parsley, thyme, garlic, oregano, marjoram.
  • chilli – with coriander, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, mint, oregano.
  • chives – with basil, garlic, tarragon.
  • dill – with chives, garlic, parsley, tarragon.

Can you plant thyme with pumpkins? ›

Pumpkin Growing Companions

Plants may be classified as good companions in the garden if they attract beneficial insects like pollinators into the area. Certain herbs and flowers attract beneficial insects such as: Thyme. Sage.

References

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