Pumpkin puree is not only delicious but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your healthy recipes. Whether you're craving a breakfast, snack, or comforting meal, pumpkin puree can be used in a variety of dishes.
Incorporating pumpkin puree into your diet provides numerous health benefits. Pumpkin puree is low in calories and fat while being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
With these healthy pumpkin recipes, you can savor the flavors of autumn. Grab your apron, put on your favorite fall playlist, and let these recipes fill your home with warmth, comfort, and the aroma of pumpkin.
Favorite Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
The Difference Between Pumpkin Puree And Pumpkin Pie Filling
- Pumpkin Puree:
- Pumpkin puree is made by cooking and pureeing pumpkin flesh. It is typically made from varieties of pumpkin, such as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins.
- Pumpkin puree is smooth and thick, with a consistency similar to mashed potatoes. It has a neutral flavor and is unsweetened, allowing it to be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
- Pumpkin puree is commonly used as a base ingredient in various recipes, such as soups, sauces, bread, muffins, smoothies, and pancakes. It provides moisture, texture, and a subtle pumpkin flavor to these dishes.
- Pumpkin Pie Filling:
- Pumpkin pie filling is a ready-to-use mixture specifically formulated for making pumpkin pie. It typically contains pumpkin puree along with sweeteners, spices, and thickeners.
- Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and flavored, often with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It has a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Pumpkin pie filling is primarily used as a filling for pies, tarts, or other desserts where a sweet and spiced pumpkin flavor is desired. It eliminates the need to individually measure and combine the ingredients typically used in pumpkin pie recipes.
Easy Substitutes For Pumpkin Puree
If you don't have pumpkin puree on hand, here are a few options depending on the recipe:
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree: If you have a fresh pumpkin available, you can make your own pumpkin puree. Cut the pumpkin into chunks, remove the seeds and strings, and bake or steam until tender. Then, blend or process the cooked pumpkin until smooth.
- Butternut Squash Puree: Butternut squash has a similar texture and flavor to pumpkin. Cook and puree butternut squash following the same process as homemade pumpkin puree
- Sweet Potato Puree: Sweet potato puree can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree in many recipes. Roast or boil sweet potatoes until they are soft, then mash or blend them until smooth.
- Canned Squash: Canned squash, such as canned butternut squash or acorn squash, can be used as a convenient substitute for pumpkin puree.
- Applesauce: In some recipes, applesauce can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree, especially in baked goods. It adds moisture and a mild sweetness.
What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree
- Pumpkin Pancakes or Waffles: Add pumpkin puree to your favorite pancake or waffle batter for a seasonal twist.
- Pumpkin Soup: Use the leftover pumpkin puree as a base for a creamy pumpkin soup. Sauté onions, garlic, and your preferred spices, then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, and seasonings. Simmer until flavors come together.
- Pumpkin Smoothie: Incorporate pumpkin puree into a nutritious smoothie. Blend it with your choice of milk, a ripe banana, a handful of spinach or kale, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Pumpkin Hummus: Add a fall twist to classic hummus by mixing in some pumpkin puree. Blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Pumpkin Muffins or Bread: Incorporate leftover pumpkin puree into muffins or bread for a moist and flavorful treat. Use your favorite recipe and substitute a portion of the liquid or fat with pumpkin puree.
- Pumpkin Pasta Sauce: Make a creamy and savory pumpkin pasta sauce by combining pumpkin puree with cooked onions, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Add some vegetable broth and simmer until the sauce thickens. Toss it with cooked pasta of your choice.
How To Store
Refrigeration: Place the pumpkin puree to an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 to 7 days.
Freezing: If you don't plan to use the pumpkin puree within a few days, freezing is a great option. Place the pumpkin puree in a freezer safe airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. When frozen, it can be kept for 3 to 6 months.
Jessica Formicola
I can't wait to try all of these! I am going to start with the pumpkin apple soup- it sounds amazing!
Dannii
Wow, what a great selection. I need try loads of these.
Veena Azmanov
I was just going thru all your list of yummy recipes. Every recipe is so perfect and I definitely want to try most of them. Pumpkin sounds so very interesting.
Beth
Great round up! So many delicious healthy options!
Vicky
I love everything pumpkin this time of year! When it is chilly out, I love eating lots of soup to stay warm so I was thrilled to see all the soup recipes that can made with pumpkin puree.
Natalie
You got me with the soups! But man oh man so much more! SO much to try and I NEVER get tired of pumpkin!
Nicole
These recipes look so delicious!
Mandee
I love pumpkin so much! I use it in most things already, but I cannot wait to try some of these recipes.
Colleen | Bakes & Blunders
So many great recipes! I've never tried pumpkin hummus, but that sounds delicious.
Catherine
I am so excited to try some of these recipes this holiday season!! Thank you for sharing ♥
Jeanne C
I'm in Canada and our Thanksgiving was last weekend. I have a lot of pumpkin puree left over from my baking and now I know what I can do with it! I have already picked out multiple recipes! Thanks for sharing this post!
Colleen | Bakes & Blunders
Pinned! I love all of the sweet and savory ways to use pumpkin. Yum!