Looking for simple pumpkin recipes for fall? Pumpkin is not only a symbol of October, but above all, an ingredient that will transform your kitchen. Just 27 kcal per 100 g of flesh, yet packed with nutrients.
In Poland, you can choose from several popular pumpkin varieties. The giant pumpkin can reach up to 800 kilograms, the butternut squash delights with its sweetness, and the common pumpkin is a great addition to most dishes. This characteristic orange color is due to beta-carotene, a compound with powerful antioxidant properties. Additionally, pumpkin provides vitamin C, which supports collagen production and improves skin elasticity. Pumpkin seeds are also worth considering: rich in zinc and lecithin, they positively impact metabolism and brain function.
Did you know that pumpkin can be used to make both a warming soup and a sweet dessert? From simple cream soups, through filling main courses, to quick muffins – you'll find it all in this guide. We present pumpkin dishes step-by-step, so even a novice cook can master them. You'll discover the culinary possibilities hidden within this autumn queen. Simple pumpkin recipes will become your favorites as the weather cools.
Step-by-step pumpkin recipes – from soup to dessert
What's the best way to prepare a pumpkin for cooking? We'll start with the basics. You can roast a Hokkaido pumpkin whole—you don't even need to peel it. Wash it thoroughly, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 170-180°C (350-375°F) for about 2 hours. Check for doneness by pressing your finger— the pumpkin should yield slightly.
Prefer a quicker solution? Cut the pumpkin into chunks. 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) is enough. Arrange the chunks skin-side down, drizzle with olive oil, and season to your liking.
Cream of pumpkin soup:
Now let's get down to specifics. Cream of pumpkin soup is a recipe you need to know.
Prepare:
- 800 g pumpkin ,
- 250 g potatoes,
- onion,
- 2 cloves of garlic
- spices: turmeric and ginger.
Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan, add the chopped pumpkin and potatoes, and sauté for a few minutes. Pour in the broth and cook for 20 minutes. Finally, add the tomato, cook for another 5 minutes, and blend with the milk.
Pumpkin puree:
Have a roasted pumpkin ? Make a versatile purée from it. Blend the flesh until smooth – it's the basis for many dishes. This purée will make fluffy pumpkin pancakes, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Simple, quick, and always a hit!
Pumpkin desserts you can make in 30 minutes
Craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Pumpkin desserts are the perfect solution for autumn afternoons. All you need is some pre-prepared pumpkin purée—the flesh of a roasted pumpkin blended until smooth—and you can whip up delicious treats for the whole family in half an hour.
Pumpkin muffins with chocolate:
Prepare:
- 250 g pumpkin puree (preferably from roasted Hokkaido or butternut squash)
- 200 g wheat flour (e.g. cake flour)
- 100 g sugar (white or cane)
- 2 eggs
- 80 ml of vegetable oil (e.g. rapeseed) or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional: a pinch of nutmeg)
- 100 g chopped dark or milk chocolate (or chocolate chips)
- a pinch of salt
The process is simple: dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another, combine everything, add chopped chocolate, and bake. It takes about 30 minutes. These moist muffins are fragrant with cinnamon and pumpkin —perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
Pumpkin pancakes
Prepare:
- 500 g peeled and grated pumpkin (preferably finely grated)
- 2 eggs
- Natural yogurt
- 4–5 tablespoons of wheat flour (or a mixture of wheat and potato flour)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, if you want them sweet)
- a pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- frying oil
Prefer something pan-fried? Try these pumpkin pancakes. Mix grated pumpkin flesh with plain yogurt, eggs, and flour, add spices, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve them with maple syrup, honey, or apricot jam—the kids will love them.
Pumpkin mousse
Prepare:
- 200 g pumpkin purée (preferably baked)
- 150 ml coconut milk (from a can)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or other nut butter)
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- a pinch of ground ginger and nutmeg (optional)
- fruit and/or chopped nuts for decoration
The pumpkin mousse dessert will take the least time. Warm coconut milk with pumpkin purée, add sliced banana, almond butter, and spices. After blending, you'll have a fluffy dessert ready to serve. Garnish with fruit or nuts, and you're done!
Remember that pumpkin sweets are not only a delight for the palate. Thanks to their carotene, fiber, and minerals, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. Choose your favorite recipe and enjoy the taste of autumn without guilt.
Kitchen accessories that will make cooking with pumpkin easier 
Working with pumpkin can seem daunting, especially if you don't have the right tools. Its tough skin, large size, and dense flesh are challenges that can be overcome much more easily with the right kitchen equipment.
- First and foremost, you need a good knife. A Nakiri knife with a straight blade edge is ideal for precise slicing of all types of vegetables. This Japanese knife can easily handle both soft and hard vegetables. When choosing a knife, remember that it's an investment that will last for years.
- For scooping out the flesh, it's worth getting a special coring spoon. This versatile stainless steel tool will make scooping and separating the flesh easier. Its smooth, burr-free surface won't cut your hands.
- A blender is another essential appliance, especially for creamy soups and purees. Check if it has anti-splash technology when blending hot dishes and variable speed control. This will allow you to quickly blend pumpkin into a smooth puree.
- If you enjoy baking, consider purchasing silicone pumpkin molds. Made of high-quality silicone, they can withstand temperatures from -40 to 230°C. The dough doesn't stick to the surface and releases perfectly after cooling.
- For those who appreciate kitchen aesthetics, we recommend the pumpkin-shaped Special Cocotte pot. Its cast iron construction is suitable for all types of stovetops and the oven. The non-stick coating makes food preparation and cleaning easier.
Determine your needs: do you prepare pumpkin dishes occasionally or regularly? This will determine which kitchen accessories are worth investing in first.
Cooking with pumpkin turned out to be easier than you thought, right? From creamy soups, to filling main courses, to quick desserts – you can prepare any pumpkin recipe without stress, even if you're just starting out in the kitchen. You now have all the information you need: you know how to prepare pumpkin , you know tried-and-true recipes, and you know which accessories will make your work easier. Now the only choice is: will you start with a warming cream soup or perhaps indulge in sweet chocolate muffins?
Remember, you don't have to have all the accessories right away. A good knife and blender are essential; you can add the rest over time. The most important thing is to start experimenting with pumpkin recipes and discover what you like best.
Pumpkin is waiting in stores, and the recipes are already ready. Don't delay! Choose one of the dishes presented and experience the taste of autumn cuisine. We guarantee that after your first successful pumpkin dish , you'll be returning to these recipes all season long.