What is the most versatile fruit/vegetable in existence? Some would say Cauliflower but I reckon it might just be Pumpkin!
Pumpkins are wildly abundant at the moment and we have loads of fresh Butternut and Jap Pumpkins from our farmer friends Barry and Deanna at Fig Tree Fields this week.
To celebrate, we thought we'd put together a list of delicious recipes you can make with this nutrient-dense food. Did you know Pumpkins are a great source of Vitamin, Fibre, Zinc, antioxidants and potassium? They're very nourishing and can help get moisture (and movement if that's what you need) into your bowels.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, pumpkin is very balancing for all the doshas, It can help cool fiery Pitta and provide a high fibre load for balancing intense hunger.
Of course not all pumpkins are created equal...
Conventionally grown ones may be sprayed with some pretty nasty pesticides including glyphosate. Not ours! Fig Tree Fields does not use any pesticides or herbicides or nasty chemicals of any kind on their farm. Instead they focus on building the quality of the soil to provide the most nutrient-dense food possible.
Grab some pumpkin this week and try these delicious healthy recipes! All gluten-free and mostly vegan and dairy-free too.
1. Thai Spicy Pumpkin Soup
Of course, we have to start with none other than the most famous use for pumpkin - Pumpkin Soup! There are many varieties of this delicious dish but we love this one in particular because it's thick and creamy with added spice.
2. Veggie Loaded Pumpkin & Pesto Pizza
Pumpkin on pizza is the best! This healthy, GF, DF, Vegan recipe from our friend Casey-Lee at Live, Love Nourish uses pureed pumpkin on the base - such a good way to spread it all over and ensure you get some in every bite.
3. Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins are a delicious breakfast on the go or morning tea with friends. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, they're a nutritious, guilt-free snack.
4. 3 Ingredient Magic Fudge Cake
If you like simplicity and you like a decadent raw cake - this is for you! Personally, if the ingredient list is longer than 6 ingredients - I'm out! So this one is super easy with just 3 ingredients - pumpkin, chocolate chips and arrowroot flour.
5. Pumpkin Gnocchi
Pumpkin is delicious is gnocchi! This recipe will take you a little longer than the 3 ingredient fudge cake but it's well worth the effort.
6. Roasted Pumpkin Hummus
Take your Hummus to the next level with the addition of Pumpkin! Not only does it give a beautiful orange colour, it adds flavour and nutrition. This recipe is super simple and delicious.
7. Pumpkin Pie
Unfortunately, my husband won't ty this one as he's too scarred from a childhood filled with what he says was disgusting grammar pie, but I love it! With just 10 ingredients, it's super easy to make and is the perfect dessert dish to serve when your friends come for dinner.
8. Pumpkin Pikelets
Prepare the pumpkin puree ahead of time and let the kids make these yummy pikelets themselves. Pumpkin adds a little sweetness and with the addition of eggs, these pikelets are not only super low in sugar but high in protein.
9. Pumpkin Spice Granola
This yummy granola doesn't just contain pumpkin spice - it has real pumpkin too. Such a delicious idea for breakfast.
10. Instant Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal
Pumpkin for breakfast? Absolutely. Add it to your porridge for a nourishing, warm breakfast on a cool winter morning.
