22 Pumpkin Recipes (Savory & Sweet)

Pumpkin also called as ‘Kaddu’ in Hindi, is one of the vegetables that we use in Indian cuisine. There’s not much of a fandom for this vegetable. But let me tell you that the humble pumpkin is so much healthful and tasty. So, I make sure to include this veggie in my family’s diet too. And for the same reason, I have prepared this personalized Collection of 22 vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes that are also super simple to make.

While there are many dishes that are made exclusively only with pumpkin, some dishes include pumpkin with other vegetables. In this Pumpkin Recipes compilation, I have largely shared dishes made with the yellow-orange pumpkin and the white pumpkin or ash pumpkin (ash gourd/wax gourd/winter melon).

More on Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a versatile and nutritious vegetable belonging to the gourd family. Native to North America, pumpkins have been cultivated for thousands of years and have become popular worldwide for their culinary, decorative and nutritional uses. This list of Pumpkin Recipes collates just that awesomeness of this veggie.

Widely used in various culinary dishes, a pumpkin can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or pureed to create soups, stews, side dishes and more. Pumpkin puree is a key ingredient in traditional desserts like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cheesecake. Pumpkin seeds a.k.a pepitas, are also edible and often roasted and seasoned as a tasty snack.

The most difficult part while making Pumpkin Recipes is to peel or cut the vegetable into small pieces. Unless, you buy pre chopped pumpkin pieces from the market. Once you are able to chop the pumpkin, then more than half of the job is done. From a difficult vegetable to chop, the pumpkin transforms into a melt-in-mouth veggie when cooked.

Beyond uses in traditional Pumpkin Recipes, this veggie has found its way into modern cuisine in various ways. Pumpkin spice, a blend of warming fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, is a classic flavoring used in beverages and desserts. Additionally, savory pumpkin dishes have also gained popularity in contemporary cuisine.

Another important aspect about pumpkins is that they are appreciated for their sustainability since most parts of the plant are used, minimizing waste. Additionally, the plant’s vigorous growth makes it an ideal crop for farmers seeking high yields with relatively low resource inputs.

Why eat Pumpkin

Before you jump onto the lovely Pumpkin Recipes, sharing some reasons on why you should consume this vegetable. Being rich in Vitamin A, pumpkin is very good for the eyes. It is also rich in fibre and hence keeps you full for some time. A good source of potassium which is good for muscles and maintaining body pressure.

Pumpkin Recipes are a must in your diet as this veggie is also low in calories but packed with other minerals. The vibrant orange color of pumpkins indicates a high content of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into Vitamin A.

Besides being a nutritious vegetable, pumpkins have been associated with various health benefits. The nutrients in pumpkin, particularly its high antioxidant content, may support immune function, and skin health. The seeds are also believed to promote heart health and support prostate health in men.

Recipes From Global Cuisine

Pumpkin is easily available everywhere. So, making these vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes is also easy. My list of Pumpkin Recipes consists of both savory and sweet dishes featuring this vegetable. Some are classic regional preparations and also popularly prepared during the Hindi fasting seasons.

Also, while you’re at the Pumpkin Recipes like the pumpkin bread, do not forget to check on the similar recipes like Banana Bread and Zucchini Bread.

Indian Pumpkin Recipes

White Pumpkin Recipes (With Ash Gourd)

Recipes With Pumpkin and Other Veggies

This Pumpkin Recipes collection from the blog archives was first published in June 2017. It has been updated and republished on October 2023.