Introduction
Pumpkin is the quintessential fall ingredient, offering both a savory and sweet element to any dish. Ella Chef, inspired by the bountiful harvest of pumpkins in autumn, has curated a collection of both sweet and savory pumpkin recipes. Whether you’re looking for a warm dessert or a hearty dish for a cozy fall dinner, these pumpkin recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. From creamy pumpkin soup to spiced pumpkin bread, these dishes embrace the flavors of fall in every bite.

1. Pumpkin Soup
Description:
A creamy and comforting soup, perfect for chilly fall evenings. This pumpkin soup is rich with savory flavors and spices, making it an ideal starter for any fall meal.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.
2. Pumpkin Spice Bread
Description:
This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is filled with warm spices and is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, pumpkin, oil, water, and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
3. Pumpkin Pie
Description:
A classic fall dessert, this pumpkin pie features a creamy filling with a spiced flavor, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, cream, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-45 minutes until the filling is set.
- Cool the pie before serving with whipped cream.
4. Pumpkin Pancakes
Description:
These fluffy pumpkin pancakes are packed with the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them the perfect breakfast to enjoy during the fall season.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.
5. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Description:
A savory dish with a twist, this pumpkin mac and cheese combines creamy cheese sauce with the richness of pumpkin for a comforting fall meal.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and pumpkin puree. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheese, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
6. Pumpkin Smoothie
Description:
A healthy and refreshing fall smoothie that combines the flavors of pumpkin with the creaminess of yogurt and the sweetness of maple syrup.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Ice cubes
- Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
7. Pumpkin Risotto
Description:
A savory, creamy risotto made with pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This dish is a warm and hearty fall meal.
How to Make:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Directions:
- In a pot, heat the broth and keep it warm over low heat.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion until softened.
- Add Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes to toast.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until absorbed.
- Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
- Once the rice is tender, stir in pumpkin puree and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Conclusion
Ella Chef’s pumpkin recipes celebrate the flavors of fall, offering a mix of comforting savory dishes and sweet treats. From creamy pumpkin soup to decadent pumpkin pies, these recipes highlight the versatility of pumpkin as both a savory and sweet ingredient. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or preparing for a festive gathering, these pumpkin recipes will bring the spirit of fall to your kitchen.