
When you think about pumpkin as an ingredient, what do you see? Do you dream of creamy pies, or warm and comforting lattes? What about savory muffins, or creamy pasta dishes? There are so many ways to use pumpkin in the kitchen, and I’ll be the first to admit that I hardly ever use it outside of pie-making. But autumn and pumpkin go hand-in-hand, so there’s no better time than right now to explore all of the pumpkin possibilities!
First, let’s talk about canned pumpkin. Yes, it is completely possible to make your own pumpkin puree at home. But it does take a bit of time to complete, and if my experience is anything to go by, your kitchen will almost assuredly need quite the cleaning after you’re done. ;-)
Read More: How To Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree & Pumpkin Face Scrub

But on the other hand, making your own pumpkin puree means you’ll know exactly what you’re eating. It may surprise you to know that many of the national brands of canned pumpkin are actually purees of one or more different varieties of squash, rather than actual pumpkin. So if you’re a pumpkin purist, making your own may be the way to go! But if the minor differences between pumpkin and other squash don’t mean much to you, reaching for that canned pumpkin will save you quite a bit of time and energy.
Personally, I’m a big fan of canned pumpkin! (Just make sure your can says “pumpkin” rather than “pumpkin pie filling.”) Canned pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, and it makes a healthy and delicious addition to just about any recipe you can think of. Today I’m sharing a creamy pumpkin soup recipe that was a bit hit amongst the “OGT Team.” Be sure to keep scrolling after the soup recipe though, because I’m sharing even more delicious pumpkin recipes to get your creative juices flowing!
Creamy 5-Minute Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Directions:
Add canned pumpkin, chicken broth, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie spice to a sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir regularly for about 5 minutes.

Top with baby arugula and pumpkin seeds, and serve warm. Delicious!

Here’s a collection of pumpkin recipes from around the web that caught my eye. There’s a little bit of everything in here, from savory snacks to sweet treats, so I hope you find something you’ll love. Enjoy! :-)
Even More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
Click on the title of the recipe for full details and instructions.

from Mama Mommy Mom

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
from Nutritionist in the Kitchen

from Love Food Eat

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
from Kevin and Amanda

from Damn Delicious

from Minimalist Baker

from Sweet Miscellany

Pumpkin Meatloaf with Pumpkin BBQ Sauce
from Kath Eats

from Jessica in the Kitchen

from Desserts With Benefits

Soft Pumpkin Cookies (Gluten-Free and Vegan)
from Tessa the Domestic Diva

from My Bacon-Wrapped Life

from Prevention.com

Looking forward to trying some pumpkin recipes…especially the savory ones.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Think butternut squash can be used interchangeably with pumpkin, including therapeutic effects for dog digestive issues. Didn’t grow pumpkins but sure have plenty of butternut squash! And they endure almost all winter…but canned is also great.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.canned pumpkin can be fed to dogs that have ‘digestive issues’ to help their GI system get back on track. It’s high in fiber and mild-tasting.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I always a a can in the pantry just-in-case.
When I rescued my 2 cats from the ASPCA, my little boy cat had horrible diarrhea from the minute we came home. He was pretty bad off while there anyway. Well, I called the vet and he told me to give him a little pumpkin puree’. By early the next day, his issues were getting much better and now when either of them has any stomach upsets, I give them a bit and they are soon up and running around again! Thank God…I worry about them as much as I did when my kids used to get sick. I think they rescued me! :>)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Cooks Illustrated, the scientists of he cooking world, has declared canned pumpkin to be just as good as homemade – good enough for me!
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