Pumpkin-Based Recipes For Halloween & Beyond

Pumpkin, or kaddu, is a staple in both Indian and global kitchens. Since it is a highly versatile ingredient with a subtle sweetness, you can even use pumpkins after Halloween in a lot many recipes. From the festive specials to some not-so-commonly made dishes, scroll through these pumpkin recipes you can make for Halloween and even after the celebration.

Pumpkins are synonymous with Halloween. From carving pumpkins into lanterns, adding the smaller ones to your living room, painting them to make scary faces, and much more. But apart from being a part of your Halloween-themed decor, pumpkin is prized for its nutritional value. Being an impeccable source of fibre and vitamins like A and C, the naturally sweet ingredient is used to make a wide range of snacks, sabzis, curries, and even desserts. So, whether you’re looking for festive staples like the classic pumpkin pie, beverages like spiced latte, or the Indian favourites like kaddu ki sabzi, here are some of the best recipes that you can’t miss trying.  

Pumpkin Pie

The list of Halloween recipes cannot start without the mention of pumpkin pie. Making the most of the natural sweetness of pumpkins, the pie is one of the most popular Halloween staples. With a flaky crust and a mouth-melting filling made with creamy pumpkins and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, the pie has all the reasons to be the favourite festive dessert.

Serving suggestions: Serve a warm piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream for the most indulgent combination.

Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Pumpkin spiced latte feels like autumn in every sip. While it must have been a Western beverage, Indian cafes and netizens have welcomed the recipe with open arms. Whether you go to a local cafe or step into an International coffee shop, a pumpkin-spiced latte is always a hit on the Halloween menu. You can also make one at home by pureeing pumpkin and mixing it with steamed milk and a shot of espresso. Spice it up with ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and enjoy the cosy seasonal beverage.

Pro tip: Add whipped cream on top of the latte and sprinkle some more spices for a comforting sip on a chilly night.

Pumpkin Soup

Isn’t a bowl filled with warm soup just what you need on the autumn days with a nip in the air? And what’s a better option than pumpkin soup for Halloween? To make it, you can start by roasting the pumpkin. Once aromatic, you can simmer it with vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and some garlic. After simmering, blend till you get a smooth and silky texture. Add a swirl of cream or coconut milk to make the Halloween soup richer.

Best garnishes: Toast some pumpkin seeds and add them on top of the soup. Serve with a side of toast or breadsticks.

Kaddu Ki Sabzi

When it comes to a traditional Indian dish to make with pumpkins, kaddu ki sabzi tops the list. To make your Halloween spread have a little bit of every region, you can make kaddu ki sabzi, which has a distinct sweet and tangy taste. To make it at home, start by chopping the pumpkin into small pieces. Next, prepare the tadka by sauteeing jeera in some oil. Once the seeds start to splutter, add spices like haldi, garam masala, red chilli powder, dhania powder, and salt. Add the pumpkin pieces to the sabzi and cook till they are tender. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and add to your themed spread.

Cooking hack: If you like your sabzi to have a sweeter profile, add tamarind pulp or jaggery, aka gud.

Pumpkin And Paneer Salad

Whether you’re looking for a quick fix for Halloween or trying to make something healthy, pumpkin and paneer salad would be a great option. To make a Halloween-special salad, all you need are cubed pumpkin, cubed paneer, and green vegetables. Roast the pumpkin cubes, pan-fry the paneer cubes, and mix with chopped veggies. You can make a dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, chaat masala, and a little honey.

Did you know: You can have this salad as a side or even a light dinner to make the healthiest version of pumpkin.

Pumpkin Bread

Once you’ve outdone yourself by baking banana bread, you can make the most of the autumn season with pumpkin bread. From Halloween to the weeks following the spooky festival, you can bake pumpkin bread by pureeing pumpkin. Fold the puree into a maida-based batter spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bake for about half an hour, and you’ll get a moist batch of subtly sweet pumpkin bread.

Versions worth trying: To give the classic pumpkin bread a spin, you can add ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or raisins.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

If you have a sweet tooth, you would definitely be looking for dessert options for Halloween other than pumpkin pie. Well, this dessert combines the creaminess of a cheesecake and the spices of a pumpkin pie. Made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy filling of pureed pumpkin and hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, pumpkin cheesecake can be enjoyed throughout the autumn season. And the best part about pumpkin cheesecake is that it can be made with minimal ingredients, and that too in no time.

Serving tip: Save the pumpkin cheesecake till the end of your Halloween party. Refrigerate till set and serve after your themed spread, and see all your guests talking about the mouth-melting dessert.