There are few things more synonymous with October and fall than pumpkins. Although the image that usually comes to mind is the jack-o’-lantern, pumpkins are actually a very healthy food and can be used as an ingredient in many recipes. They are high in vitamin A and fiber, and aren’t nearly as intimidating to cook as you may think! They also stay fresh at room temperature for about a month, so hang on to these recipes so you can turn those Halloween decorations into tasty treats!
One quick tip – when you are choosing a pumpkin for a recipe, the smaller “sugar pie” or Lumina white pumpkins have a much silkier texture and sweeter taste than the larger ones you carve. You can still use the larger pumpkins, but they will be starchier, like a potato.
Baked Pumpkin
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb pumpkin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the stringy and seedy center.
- Cut the remaining into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
- Serve as a side to your favorite main course!
For a sweeter variety try this recipe baked with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pumpkin Puree
This is a base for most pumpkin recipes. Instead of buying canned pumpkin at the store, you can make a delicious version at home and save money at the same time.
Ingredients:
- 1 10 lb. pumpkin
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Pre-heat the oven to 500° F.
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and fibers.
- Further cut the pumpkin into smaller, more manageable pieces so it can lie evenly on a roasting pan.
- Coat the outer shells of the pumpkin with olive oil and place face down in the roasting pan.
- Fill the pan with enough water to just cover the tips of the pumpkin.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender. You can test this by poking the outer edge of the pumpkin with a fork. If there is a very easy give, it is done.
- Remove and let cool.
- Scoop out the pumpkin flesh into a food processor or blender.
- You can use the puree as is, or sieve it through a chinois strainer or cheesecloth until it is the desired consistency.
Pumpkin-Spiced Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (see above recipe for pumpkin puree)
- 1 cup Salada Green Tea Chai Spice
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tbsp raisins
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
Recipe adapted from lululemon.com.
And remember, a few small steps can lead to big changes!
Article first appeared on unbottleyourtea.com/tara.
