The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice everything is back. Fall is in full swing, and with it comes the desire for warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. While pumpkin spice lattes and muffins are always a treat, why not incorporate those familiar flavors into heartier savory dishes as well?
A creamy pumpkin pasta is comfort food at its finest. Sauté garlic and onions, then add pumpkin purée, vegetable stock, cream, and a blend of Italian spices like rosemary, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Toss with pasta such as penne or rigatoni and top with parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and fresh herbs.
Pumpkin chili is a unique twist on a cool weather classic. Sauté ground beef or turkey, then add onions, garlic, chili powder, and pumpkin purée. Simmer with beans, corn, tomatoes and vegetable stock. The pumpkin provides body and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with earthy chili spices. Top with avocado, cilantro, cheese and crunchy tortilla strips.
With layers of flavor from curry spices, coconut milk and pumpkin, a Thai-inspired pumpkin curry is an exotic comfort food adventure. Sauté pumpkin, bell peppers and Thai chiles, then simmer in coconut milk with garam masala, cumin, coriander and fresh cilantro. Serve the curry over rice or with naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
The savory side of pumpkin spice doesn’t end with dinner. Quick breads, muffins and scones are perfect for breakfast or brunch with a cup of coffee on a chilly fall morning. Add pumpkin purée, warm spices and chopped nuts or chocolate chips to a scone or muffin batter. The pumpkin provides moisture and a subtle sweetness, balanced by tangy buttermilk and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
A pumpkin Dutch baby pancake is an impressive brunch dish with a dramatic presentation. Whip egg yolks, milk, flour, pumpkin purée, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, then fold in beaten egg whites. Pour into a hot skillet with melted butter and bake until puffed and golden. Dust with powdered sugar, top with maple syrup and enjoy this puffy pancake fresh from the oven.