Meatless Monday Roundup: 5 Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin is a wonder vegetable of sorts. Not only is it amazingly good for you thanks to all the vitamins and fiber, but there’s an important emotional element as well. Nothing else is so directly related to a season. No American can think of fall without thinking of pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake… But all of the pumpkin sweets, so commonly prepared with that combination of spices so classic that it’s referred to as “pumpkin spice” are eclipsing what pumpkin can do as a savory ingredient. Well, no more! It’s time to bring pumpkin back to your main meals, and we have four of the best ways to do it from all over the internet. This Monday, make pumpkin the main ingredient in your meatless meals.
Start off your week with this vegetarian pumpkin curry. The Thai-inspired dish has red curry paste, Thai basil and coconut milk in order to highlight the sweet-and-savory flavors of pumpkin. The orange squash is perfect in this dish, adding a creamy texture. Make this curry on a lazy Sunday, and keep it in the fridge for an easy Monday night supper. It’s even better the next day.
Another great, hearty dish is our very own pumpkin and lentil stew. Cilantro adds a touch of freshness to this dish, and the possibility of substituting sweet potatoes for some or all of the pumpkin makes it versatile.
Image: Kimberley Stakal
For rich decadence, our dairy-free pumpkin alfredo is perfect. The creamy sauce resembles alfredo sauce, but the orange pumpkin addition makes it more autumnal and definitely healthier. The greens pack a flavorsome punch, with added vitamins.
Image: Emily Monaco
Perhaps even more decadent is a pumpkin tarte tatin. Homemade shortcrust pastry is topped with caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese and caramelized pumpkin. It’s truly divine!
Pumpkin is, of course, perfect for soup. Its creamy texture lends itself naturally to a puréed soup, the ideal dish to sip as you sit in front of the fireplace on a cool evening. Our pumpkin soup has apple croutons, for added crunch and flavor.
top image: Muffet
