With the ability to give you a boost of beta-carotene, improve your eyesight, boost your immunity, reduce cancer risks, improve bone health, reduce metabolic disease risks, and make you sleep more soundly, is it any wonder that pumpkins are a fall powerhouse of health and flavor? But why settle for a simple matter of trying out this delicious fall vegetable when you could try some of these amazing recipes instead? Rather than simply going with the usual pumpkin pie, these options offer plenty of flavor at every meal of the day, as well as snacks and sweets in between.
Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
Need to get a healthy but quick start in the morning? These vegan pumpkin muffins have everything your doctor ordered, plus an amazing amount of flavor and enjoyment on top. As a bonus, they're also gluten-free, making them a great choice for many people who are watching the impact of gluten on their diet.
Watch the video recipe here.
Savory Pumpkin & Sage Soup
With a cook time of a little over an hour, you could try to cook this up in an Instant Pot for a faster option or let it simmer slowly all day in a crockpot to really let the flavors develop and meld. This simple soup thrills the taste buds while the mushroom and sage garnish make it look like a professional dish.
Find the recipe here.
Pumpkin Waffles with Pumpkin Spice Syrup
If you can't get enough of this tasty fall favorite, this pair of recipes will do a great job of getting you all the pumpkin you could ask for. As a bonus, use a little bit of your syrup with a bit of milk or creamer in your morning coffee to get a great coffee experience to enjoy without the trip to the coffee shop.
See the recipe here.
Calabaza en Tacha
Want something sweet from south of the border? This traditional Mexican dish usually prepared on Dia de Muertos has a lot in common with candied sweet potato casseroles found on American tables closer to Thanksgiving. It provides you with plenty of fiber and vitamin A, so enjoy it in moderation at mealtimes or as a sweet pick-me-up.
Discover the recipe here.
Chicken Pumpkin Stew
Taking just 40 short minutes, this stew provides you with a serious dose of healthy, fresh vegetables to tantalize your mouth. Red pepper, green beans, and pumpkin round out the flavorful mouthful, making it a great option when you've got your health on your mind but still want something with plenty of taste.
Find the recipe here.
Roasted Pumpkin Salad
If you're still craving fresh greens in the fall, this salad recipe allows you to eat local while packing in the vitamins and fiber. By adding pieces of roasted pumpkin to the top of the salad, you can enjoy entirely new flavor combinations. Consider garnishing with cranberries, either dried or fresh, to keep a Thanksgiving flavor at your table.
Get the recipe here.
Savory Pumpkin Casserole
Though we tend to push towards sweet uses of pumpkins, such as pumpkin pie, this fall vegetable also has a savory side to explore. This cheesy pumpkin casserole will give you plenty of heart on cool fall days, and any leftovers can be easily frozen for use in the future for several months.
Discover the recipe here.
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you just want a little treat rather than a whole slice of pie, these little cookies do a great job of giving you a flavorful mouthful. The cream cheese frosting does an amazing job of complementing the pumpkin flavor, while the traditional pumpkin pie spices bring out the very best. Watching your sugar intake? Cut the frosting and add a dusting of cinnamon for a little less fat and sugar.
See the recipe here.
Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pumpkin and chocolate? Don't knock it until you've tried it! These cookie bars have plenty of protein because of the egg content, and coconut flour nixes any gluten in the recipe while adding its own flavor notes, while maple syrup sweetens the entire pan, giving you a custard-like consistency you'd relate to pumpkin pie, but the convenience to grab and go like a brownie.
Find the recipe here.
Just because you're continuing to age doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the good things in life, like these amazing pumpkin recipes. They're easy to prepare while still tempting the palette and providing a wide range of health benefits at the same time. Why not take a few minutes today to prepare a few of these dishes and see how they can help you get a little more out of life?
