Autumn is coming and with it pumpkin season begins. At this point we already have several types in the markets such as butternut squash (the one shaped like a peanut), Valencian squash (flattened, with green skin) and angel hair squash (round and with marbled skin).

Although all of them are sweet we can use them in both savory and sweet dishes, just like we do with carrots for example.

Of the most common varieties, the least sweet are butternut squash, hokkaido and kabocha. The Valencian pumpkin is usually used to roast and eat as a sweet and the angel hair pumpkin is used to make the sweet preparation of the same name and prepare cakes.

The best recipes with pumpkin

There are as many uses for pumpkin in cooking as there are varieties of it. I’m going to tell you what they are my favorite vegan pumpkin recipes. Surely some of them sound familiar to you, but others will surprise you.

1. Pumpkin cream

Due to their creamy texture, when cooked, pumpkins are great in creams and broths. Use it the same as the potato, peeling it before adding it and cutting it into cubes.

If you want to prevent your pumpkin cream from being too sweet, Add other ingredients such as onion, leek, roasted pepper or potato.

2. Pumpkin in stews, casseroles and stews

The pumpkin is a great ingredient for stews and stews. Try adding it in pieces, just as you would with a potato.

The result is a creamier preparation with a touch of sweetness from the pumpkin. To prevent it from falling apart, brown it with the sauce before adding the rest of the ingredients and water.

3. Pumpkin croquettes and dumplings

Yes, you read that right, pumpkin croquettes. To prepare this delight, all we have to do is roast, boil or steam the pumpkin, mash it, puree it and add it to the dough you are using to make croquettes or dumplings. That is, make them the same as always, but adding your pumpkin puree to the dough. In another article I tell you how to prepare pumpkin and leek croquettes, along with my five best tricks to get a good vegan croquette.

4. Pumpkin garnishes

We can make the typical garnish of roast potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, etc., also adding pumpkin. Make the pieces similar in size to potato pieces and bake them all together.

5. Pastas with pumpkin

we can do pumpkin pasta from the roasted pumpkin, mixing it with flour and giving it the desired shape. We can also use pumpkin to fill homemade pastas such as ravioli, lasagna or pasta bags.

6. Pumpkin rice

You can make delicious rice with pumpkin, risottos and, why not, even a fake risotto in which a texture is achieved that allows you to enjoy the sensation of creamy rice without including starch in your recipe.

7. Pumpkin jam

The most famous pumpkin jam is angel hair, but we can also make ourselves prepare another pumpkin jam quickly and easily. Make it the same as any other jam, but adding the roasted pumpkin at the beginning. You just have to remember to add a little lemon and apple that provide pectin and in a short time it will be syrupy and ready to package.

8. Pumpkin sponge cake and other sweets

You can take advantage of the natural sweetness of pumpkin to make pumpkin pies, breads, pancakes and all kinds of desserts. Be creative!

To enhance its flavor, roast the squash before using it. Puree it by hand with a fork and add it to your cakes and biscuits. It acts as a liquid, retains moisture, gives color and also a lot of flavor.