Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Produce

Pumpkin Produce

At a Glance

  • Category Produce

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the latte: Unearthing the culinary depth of this autumnal staple."

Definition

A large, round, orange squash with a sweet, earthy flavor, commonly associated with autumn and used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Nutritional Highlight High in Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
Seasonal Usage Peak October - November
Storage (Whole, Cool/Dark) 2-3 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pumpkin are:

Sweet earthy mild

Chef’s Secret

Roast pumpkin seeds with a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of maple syrup for a savory-sweet snack.

Best Substitutes

Butternut Squash

pureed
Ratio 1:1

Sweet Potato

pureed
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, heavy pumpkins without soft spots or blemishes.

Recipes Using Pumpkin

Halloween Holiday Event Cuisine North American

Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes

Indulge in the irresistible warmth and spice of these homemade Baked Pumpkin Doughnut Holes! This recipe, inspired by a local newspaper favorite, delivers perfectly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut holes bursting with autumnal pumpkin flavor. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, these delightful treats are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.

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Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Fruit Preparation

Becki's Pumpkin Pancakes

These delightful pumpkin pancakes are a holiday tradition, beloved by all! My coworker Becki's secret recipe yields fluffy, flavorful pancakes perfect for your holiday brunch or freezing for later enjoyment. Get ready for a taste of autumn warmth with every bite!

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Low In Something Inexpensive Oven Taste Mood

Baked Pumpkin Dessert

Indulge in the ultimate autumn treat! This easy baked pumpkin dessert recipe is a delicious twist on a classic. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of mystery (the original recipe was a bit vague!), this recipe delivers a warm, spiced pumpkin delight perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Get ready for a pumpkin explosion of flavor!

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Dietary Fall Course From Scratch

Autumn Pumpkin Waffles

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with these fluffy pumpkin waffles! This recipe, a family favorite, features a secret ingredient twist for extra deliciousness. Prep ahead for a stress-free weekend brunch or weekday morning treat. Make the dry ingredients in advance and store them for super speedy waffle making! This recipe makes approximately 14 small waffles, perfect for freezing leftovers for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

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Healthy Preparation Sweet Course

Amazing Real Pumpkin Pie

Discover the secret to the most amazing pumpkin pie ever! This recipe, perfected over time, delivers a flawlessly spiced, creamy, and utterly irresistible pumpkin pie. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade masterpiece – the ultimate Thanksgiving or fall dessert.

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American Cuisine Preparation Seasonal

Stuffed Pumpkin With Bacon Gruyere Stuffing

Indulge in this stunning Thanksgiving side dish! Our Stuffed Pumpkin with Bacon Gruyere Stuffing is a showstopper – a beautiful seasonal centerpiece and a flavor explosion in every bite. Adapted from Dorie Greenspan's "Around the French Table," this recipe elevates the classic pumpkin to a gourmet experience. Impress your guests with its rich, savory stuffing and tender pumpkin flesh. Perfect for your Thanksgiving feast or any autumnal gathering!

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Desserts 60 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Central American

Conkies

Discover the vibrant flavors of Barbados with this refreshing Conkies recipe, straight from the island's government website! These steamed delights are a sweet and savory treat, perfect for a special occasion or a taste of the Caribbean. Imagine the fragrant aroma of coconut and spices filling your kitchen as these parcels steam to perfection. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Preparation Poultry Time To Make Course

Baked Chicken And Pumpkin With Herbed Cream Sauce

A delightful fall recipe! This elegant Baked Chicken and Pumpkin dish, adapted from "Chicken - Cooking with Style," features tender chicken and sweet pumpkin bathed in a creamy, herbaceous sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight meal. Impress your guests with this stunning and flavorful recipe – easily made ahead for effortless entertaining!

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Dietary Low Protein Sweet Taste Mood

Aunt Viola's Pumpkin Cream Pie

Indulge in the legendary pumpkin cream pie that's been the star of Thanksgiving gatherings for years! Aunt Viola's secret recipe delivers a luxuriously rich and creamy pie that's unbelievably easy to make – no baking required! This chilled delight is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next holiday or special occasion. Get ready for the most delicious pumpkin pie you've ever tasted!

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Time To Make Dietary Time To Make Course

Autumn Spice Pound Cake W Pomegranate Glaze

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Autumn Spice Pound Cake! This year-round treat perfectly blends pumpkin, apple, and pomegranate for a delightful taste that's not overly sweet. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, spiced cake, topped with a tangy pomegranate glaze – the ideal accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Get the recipe now and bring the taste of autumn to your kitchen!

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Dietary Healthy Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Pumpkin Pudding

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of fall with this Baked Pumpkin Pudding! A delightful twist on classic pumpkin pie, this recipe boasts a richer, smoother texture thanks to a generous amount of pumpkin—all without the crust! Perfect for a cozy evening or a Thanksgiving gathering, this pudding can be baked in one large pan or individual ramekins for easy serving. Freezes beautifully for later enjoyment. Get ready for a taste of autumn perfection!

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North American Caribbean Main Dish Cuisine

Ajiaco Cubano

Embark on a culinary journey through time with this authentic Ajiaco Cubano recipe! This hearty Cuban stew, a true reflection of Cuba's rich and diverse heritage, is a celebration of flavors from Indigenous roots to Spanish, African, and Chinese influences. Fernando Ortiz famously described Cuban cuisine as a 'mestizaje'—a vibrant blend of cultures—and this Ajiaco embodies that spirit perfectly. Imagine tender chunks of affordable, Cuban-style cut meat simmering alongside a medley of indigenous root vegetables like potatoes, yuca, malanga, and sweet potatoes, enhanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and turnip, and a hint of exotic spices. This isn't just a meal; it's a story told through every delicious bite. Learn the secrets passed down through generations, from 1925 cookbooks to modern Cuban kitchens, and create a dish that's both comforting and historically significant. Serve with crusty bread and fresh fruit for a truly authentic Cuban experience.

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Served Cold Preparation Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient

Almond Topped Pumpkin Cheesecake

Indulge in this decadent Almond-Topped Pumpkin Cheesecake, a fall classic perfected! This recipe, inspired by Taste of Home (Oct/Nov 2006), features a buttery gingersnap crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and a crunchy almond topping. Prepare for rave reviews – it's the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or any special occasion.

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Fall Muffins Course Dietary

Autumn Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Muffins! Perfect for a cozy autumn morning or a spooky Halloween treat, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers deliciously moist muffins bursting with pumpkin spice. These muffins are guaranteed to be a hit with goblins big and small! Get baking and enjoy the magic of autumn!

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60 Minutes Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Fall Occasion

2Bleu's Pumpkin Ginger Crumble

Indulge in this delicious Pumpkin Ginger Crumble anytime of year! Warm and comforting with a hint of spice, this recipe is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream. A secret ingredient elevates this crumble to the next level: a creamy, dreamy cream cheese layer! (Sam's brilliant idea!) Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Roast Onions Cuisine Pasta

Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta

Indulge in this autumnal delight! This creamy Baked Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta recipe, inspired by a classic from the July 2002 Australian Family Circle, is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a cozy night in. Roasted pumpkin's sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and a crunchy garlic breadcrumb topping. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

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Easy Desserts Inexpensive Free Of Something

A Very Different Pumpkin Cake

This decadent pumpkin cake is a delightful fusion of cake and baked custard, boasting a creamy, dreamy texture. Perfect as a stand-alone dessert or a unique pie filling! Get ready for a taste sensation that's both comforting and surprisingly elegant.

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Curries Curries Lunch Beans

Bean And Pumpkin Curry

This quick and easy Bean and Pumpkin Curry is bursting with flavor thanks to a rich peanut butter sauce! Ready in under 30 minutes, it's faster than takeout and perfect for a weeknight meal. Use fresh or frozen beans – simply thaw and drain if frozen. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables; this recipe is incredibly versatile! Get ready for a taste sensation!

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