Forget Thanksgiving – Halloween is the real start of pumpkin season. Whether you’re using them for Fall seasonal decor or carving them up with your kids as a jack-o-lantern, you’re bound to have some pumpkin leftover. This year, instead of just throwing it out, put it aside or store it to be used in some truly delicious pumpkin-flavored recipes. Here’s some tasty ideas on what to do with leftover pumpkin.
1. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
These might be the quintessential snack food for Fall. Roasted pumpkin seeds can be cooked quickly and work great as an after school snack for kids or a quick appetizer before dinner. They can also be season to be salty and savory or even sweet. If you brush them with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, you can even snack on them as a healthy-ish dessert.
2. Pumpkin and White Bean Pasta
Our friend Carrie over at The Dharma Kitchen whipped up this delicious pasta recipe for us using pumpkin, white beans, shallots, and a few other things. It’s a great seasonal dinner idea for the whole family, and it’s something everyone will love – including the kids.
3. Pumpkin Soup
There are a ton of pumpkin soup recipes out there, and we haven’t tried them all, but one that’s definitely a winner is one from the Minimalist Baker. With only 7 ingredients and a cook time of less than half an hour, it’s perfect for cool Fall and Winter evenings. Or just for a quick lunch.
4. Roasted Pumpkin Risotto
For a seasonal side dish, try an interesting twist on the classic Italian dish of risotto.. Last year, we created a delicious roasted pumpkin risotto – garnished with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
5. Pumpkin Hummus
Two things that you might not ever think to put together? Middle eastern food and pumpkin. But surprisingly enough, pumpkin mixed with hummus is quite a treat, and makes for a great snack or even quick lunch. It could also be a fun Halloween treat for kids! Pair it with some homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips (there’s a recipe for that too, in the link), and it’s a perfect accompaniment to Fall.
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