7 Ingenious Recipes for the Pumpkin Inside: How to Make Your Pumpkin a Star in the Kitchen

Imagine sitting on a chilly autumn evening, the pumpkins are freshly carved, and the little spooky faces are glowing with joy. 🎃 It was at that very moment that we had a thought: What actually happens to the pumpkin's innards once the carving party is over? After a bit of research, we realized that the pumpkin flesh and seeds are far too precious to simply throw away. So why not whip up some delicious autumn recipes? Here are our best ideas for using pumpkin inside in a meaningful and tasty way. Ready for a culinary pumpkin adventure? Then read on!

1. Pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie – perfect with coffee

Why just carve when you can bake? Pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie are the dream of any autumnal enthusiast. And the best part? Your home will smell like autumn itself is having coffee with you.

Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, oil or butter. Preparation: Cook the pumpkin flesh until tender and puree it. Combine all the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices—in a bowl. Add the eggs and oil and mix everything into a smooth dough. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 180°C for about 40–50 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy—a cozy autumnal snack!

2. Roasted pumpkin seeds – crispy and delicious

Did you know that pumpkin seeds have the potential to become a snack sensation? Yes, they crunch, crackle, and are packed with good nutrients. A little roasted flavor, and you have a snack that beats chips in the pan!

Ingredients: Pumpkin seeds, salt, olive oil, spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. Preparation: Wash the pumpkin seeds thoroughly, remove the pumpkin seeds, and dry them. Toss with olive oil and salt and spread generously on a baking sheet. Roast at 160°C for about 15–20 minutes until crispy. Season to taste – the perfect fall snack!

3. Pumpkin Risotto – Creamy and pure comfort

Risotto is the little black dress of autumn dishes. A hint of pumpkin makes it even more irresistible and warms you from the inside out on chilly autumn evenings.

Ingredients: Pumpkin flesh, risotto rice, onions, white wine, vegetable stock, Parmesan cheese, butter. Preparation: Dice the pumpkin flesh and sauté it with onions in butter. The aroma will transport you straight to an autumnal meadow! Add the risotto rice and sauté briefly. Deglaze with white wine and gradually add the vegetable stock. After 20 minutes, when the rice is nice and creamy, stir in the Parmesan cheese and a knob of butter. Ready to enjoy!

4. Pumpkin pasta sauce – Autumnal, creamy and quick to make

Pasta is good, but pumpkin pasta? It's a real treat! This autumnal pasta sauce is a spicy and creamy delight, and it's incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, cream or coconut milk, garlic, onions, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Preparation: Puree the soft pumpkin flesh and set aside. Sauté the onions and garlic in a pan, add the pumpkin puree and cream, and simmer over low heat. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper and pour over the pasta. Your autumnal soul food is ready!

5. Pumpkin muffins – The sweet temptation in autumn dress

What's better than a muffin that tastes like autumn? These sweet pumpkin muffins are fluffy, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Perfect for a snack or to go!

Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, oil, vanilla extract. Preparation: Combine the pumpkin puree with the dry ingredients and spices. Add the eggs and oil and mix until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter into muffin cups and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes. Quick to make and irresistibly delicious!

6. Pumpkin chips – Crispy and healthy

Crispy pumpkin chips are the perfect healthy snack alternative, and they're super easy to make.

Ingredients: Pumpkin flesh, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika or curry. Preparation: Cut the pumpkin flesh into wafer-thin slices and toss with olive oil and spices. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake at 150°C for about 20–30 minutes, until the chips are crispy. Perfect for a TV night or just a snack!

7. Pumpkin puree – Simple, versatile and delicious

Pumpkin puree is a true all-rounder! You can use it as a side dish, stir it into sauces, or even as a base for desserts. It also freezes perfectly!

Ingredients: Pumpkin flesh, salt, butter, nutmeg. Preparation: Boil the pumpkin flesh until soft and puree. Season with a little butter and nutmeg and add salt to taste. Perfect as a side dish or on toast!

Bottom line: Now you have seven great ways to use the pumpkin inside and transform it into delicious dishes. Whether it's creamy risotto, crispy pumpkin chips, or sweet muffins – your kitchen will not only smell of pumpkin this fall, but will also be a real treat for the palate! 🍁 So get started on the recipes and share your autumnal pumpkin love! Do you have any other favorite recipes? Let us know in the comments!