Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: Recipes to Incorporate Pumpkin

As the leaves begin to change color and a crispness fills the air, it can only mean one thing: fall has arrived! And with fall comes a beloved seasonal ingredient that captures the essence of the season like no other - pumpkin. In this blog post, we'll delve into the health benefits of pumpkin and share some delightful, dietitian-approved recipes that will help you incorporate this autumnal superstar into your diet.

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin isn't just a tasty addition to your fall menu; it's a nutritional powerhouse. Here are some of the health benefits that make pumpkin an essential ingredient to incorporate into your diet:

• Rich in Nutrients:Pumpkin is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin A is particularly abundant, contributing to healthy vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Low in Calories: Despite its rich, creamy texture, pumpkin is low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight or calorie intake.
• High in Fiber: Pumpkin is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse:** Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Heart-Healthy: The potassium in pumpkin can help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Healthy Pumpkin Recipes to Try

Pumpkin and Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried cranberries (or raisins), chopped nuts, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
5. Use a spoon to drop cookie-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden brown and set.
7. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying. These pumpkin and oatmeal breakfast cookies make for a nutritious and convenient morning snack or on-the-go breakfast option.

Healthy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced pumpkin (canned or fresh)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using fresh pumpkin, peel and dice it into small pieces. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pumpkin and other vegetables are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be sure to blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.
6. Return the blended soup to the pot, if necessary. Stir in the unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk) to achieve your desired soup consistency. Heat the soup over low heat until it's warmed through.
7. Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley or chives

Incorporating pumpkin into your fall menu not only adds a burst of flavor but also brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. As the autumn season unfolds, don't miss the opportunity to savor the delicious and nutritious benefits of pumpkin! journey!