Unique Pumpkin Recipes

When you think of pumpkin foods, desserts are usually the first ones that come to mind. Pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins…but this seasonal squash also goes perfectly well as a main ingredient in many savory dishes. Here are a few recipes that use pumpkin in uncommon ways that might surprise you — and delight your taste buds.

A vegetarian lasagna can have just as much flavor as a meat-filled one. This recipe from the Food Network uses pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to create a cheesy, creamy filling. The roll-up technique makes it faster to cook than traditional lasagna.

Chili is a go-to comfort food when the weather starts to get cooler (even in sunny Florida). It’s easy to make and doesn’t require too much prep time. If you have a hard time finding a Sugar Pie pumpkin for this recipe from The Modern Proper, canned pumpkin is a wonderful alternative that provides a creamy texture. Subbing turkey for beef makes the dish less greasy, too.

You may have heard of Starbucks’ famed Pumpkin Spice Latte, but you can also add pumpkin to alcohol. This cocktail recipe from Total Wine & More calls for vanilla vodka, Irish cream liqueur and pumpkin liqueur. Garnish with nutmeg and a ground cinnamon sprinkle. The result is truly fall in a glass.

Using whole wheat fettuccine in this recipe from Cookie and Kate will lend more texture to this creamy dish and add a bite to something that might normally get mushy. You can even make your own pumpkin puree by putting scooped-out pumpkin in the oven and then pureeing it in a food processor.

Pumpkin might seem like an odd ingredient to add to an Asian seafood dish, but it shines in this recipe. After adding curry powder, coconut milk and butternut squash, you’ll get a curry base that’s creamy and brings all the best of autumn.

You can buy plenty of pumpkins and other fall favorites at your local Doris Market.