Pumpkin Beyond that Pumpkin Spice Latte: Ways to Use Pumpkin in the Kitchen

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As we all know with fall here, there are many things pumpkin from sweets, coffees, and even energy drinks. But many people may not know the use of pumpkin to cook nutritious meals. 

There are many benefits to eating pumpkin as well. Pumpkins are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals, which can all help to reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar. Pumpkin also provides a good source of fiber at 3 grams of fiber per half cup. 

Pumpkin can be used in the kitchen in many ways beyond sweet treats and tasty coffees. Pumpkin can be cooked in various dishes, such as: 

  • Pasta Sauce 

  • Lasagna 

  • Pumpkin Risotto 

  • Soup 

  • Pumpkin Seed Salsa 

  • Curry 

  • Empanadas 

  • And Many More!

Below are two tasty recipes to use pumpkin with no waste, one of which includes a pumpkin seed salsa to ensure the pumpkin seeds are utilized, and the second is a pumpkin chicken. 

Mexican Pepita Salsa: 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ cup vegetable oil 

  • 2 dried guajillo peppers 

  • 2 dried ancho peppers 

  • 2 chillies de arbol 

  • 4 garlic cloves, diced 

  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds 

  • 2 tbs sesame seeds 

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar 

  • ½ tsp salt 


Directions:

  • Add oil to the pan and heat on medium, and add chiles, stirring for 2 minutes

  • Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds 

  • Remove the sauce and add it to the blender, leaving the oil in the pan 

  • Add pumpkin seeds to the pan for 3 minutes or until golden brown

  • Add sesame seeds and cook for an additional minute 

  • Move seeds and oil to the blender, adding vinegar and salt 

  • Pulse several times until well combined and enjoy with tortillas!


Creamy Pumpkin Parmesan Chicken


Ingredients: 

  • 2 lbs. chicken thighs (bone in-skin on)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil 

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 1/2 tsp pepper

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

  • 1/2 cup plain almond milk


Directions: 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees 

  • Place chicken on the sheet pan, drizzling olive oil, salt, and pepper

  • Roast for 40-45 minutes

  • Combine pumpkin puree, almond milk, and butter in a pan over medium heat, whisking until well combined

  • Add parmesan cheese and stir well

  • Top sauce over chicken and enjoy!


L.G. 



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