Pumpkins come into the spooky spotlight when we carve them for Halloween, but there are lots of things that you can do to make use of your leftover pumpkin.
As there's a crisp chill in the air and the nights are drawing in, it's time to start thinking about Halloween. No doubt you'll be purchasing a pumpkin or three to carve into a fiendish jack o' lantern - perhaps to enter into our annual pumpkin carving competition? Many of these pumpkins will find themselves on the compost heap in early November, but there are so many other delicious options for your leftover pumpkin!- Save the seeds!
While you're excitedly scooping the insides out of your pumpkins, make sure that the seeds don't end up in the bin. Pumpkin seeds are a delicious snack when roasted.
Simply spread on a baking sheet in a single layer, sprinkle with olive oil, and roast away. You can add your choice of seasonings at this point as well - try cinnamon and sugar, or a dash of sea salt chilli powder.
2. Save it for later
Pumpkin puree in the UK usually comes in canned form and can be a great addition to your baking arsenal. You can puree your own leftover pumpkin and freeze it for year-round baking.
Peel your pumpkin, cut into chunks and steam until tender. You can then blitz it in the food processor and store in the freezer until needed. We think that this delicious pumpkin cake is amazing all year round!
3. Your new favourite vegetable?
Believe it or not, the humble pumpkin could be your new favourite side on your roast dinner. The creamy orange flesh roasts beautifully, becoming sweet and crisp on the outside and meltingly tender within.
Simply cut your pumpkin into wedges and roast in a hot oven for 30 minutes, or until cooked. Our new range of veggie rubs is perfect for bringing out the flavours in your pumpkin as it roasts.
4. Create a curry
Pumpkin works brilliantly in a hearty curry. Use Veggie Rub No 1 to infuse your pumpkin with aromatic tandoori flavours and roast as usual. Then it can be added to your favourite veggie curry.
5. Try a traditional Italian bar snack
You might not have encountered pumpkin fritti before, but once you do, you'll want them with every round of drinks. Faithful to the Italian love of deep-frying things, pumpkin fritti are made by thinly slicing pumpkin, dipping it in batter and deep-frying it until crisp and delicious. Drain on kitchen paper, then serve hot with gratings of Parmesan and lots of sea salt.
6. Spread it on your toast!
No, we're not bonkers. Pumpkin spread is real and delicious and couldn't be easier to make. The true autumn alternative to jam, it makes a great gift. You can cook it in your slow cooker overnight and wake up to all the delicious aromas. Find the recipe here!
7. Perfect pumpkin pancakes
I think that leftover pumpkin pancakes could be the best brunch on an autumn morning. Combine cooked, mashed pumpkin with milk, flour, eggs and your favourite spices for a wonderful pancake batter and serve the cooked pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream.
8. Try it on the barbecue
We can't guarantee good enough weather in October, but pumpkin is delicious on the barbecue. The sweet flesh pairs well with smokey flavours. For an extra kick, we like to sprinkle on some Veggie Rub No. 3 for some added sweet and smokey goodness.
9. Don't forget the dog!
Our canine companions are big fans of pumpkin, and it's very good for them too. Cooked and cooled pumpkin is loaded with fibre and beta carotene.
10. Make your own pumpkin spiced latte
Cheaper than your local coffee chain and much tastier, you can actually make a pumpkin spiced latte at home. Each one only uses a tiny amount of pumpkin puree, so we freeze the puree in an ice cube tray so we have some to hand. You can see the full recipe here.