Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s that time of the year again when pumpkins take centre stage. Here at Rhug Estate, we believe there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by indulging in some delicious pumpkin-infused dishes.

Pumpkins are not only quintessential to Halloween, but they also make a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of meals and treats. In this blog post, we’re sharing three easy and tasty pumpkin recipes for you to try at home.

farmer standing in a field of pumpkins in North Wales

Pumpkin Picking at Rhug Estate

Why not join us for a day of pumpkin picking? From 21st to 31st October, we will have our very own pumpkin patch open for visitors to come and pick their perfect pumpkin.

Not only will you get to enjoy a fun day out at Rhug Estate, but you’ll also be able to use your freshly picked pumpkins in the recipes featured in this blog post.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Our first recipe is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.
This spiced pumpkin soup is packed with flavour and is incredibly easy to make.
Pumpkin soup dates back to the 17th century and has since become a staple in many households during the autumn season.

bowl of pumpkin soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium-sized pumpkin
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 litre of vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A dollop of cream (optional)

Method:

  1. Halve the pumpkin, remove the seeds and skin, and chop it into chunks.
  2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they become aromatic and the onion turns translucent.
  3. Add the pumpkin chunks to the pot along with the cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
  5. Using a stick blender, blend the soup until it is smooth. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve hot, with a dollop of cream on top if desired.

This warming spiced pumpkin soup is a true autumnal delight. The earthy pumpkin combined with the robust flavours of cumin and nutmeg creates a heart-warming dish that encapsulates the essence of Autumn.

It’s also a great way to use up any pumpkins that may have been left over from carving.

2. Pumpkin Risotto

Give your traditional risotto an autumnal twist using creamy pumpkin. Cook arborio rice in a rich broth, adding diced pumpkin and parmesan cheese.

The result is a comforting dish that perfectly highlights the delicate sweetness of the pumpkin.

A modern twist on a classic Italian dish, this pumpkin risotto is sure to impress your Halloween dinner guests.

bowl of pumpkin risotto

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium-sized pumpkin, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 300g arborio rice
  • 1 litre of vegetable stock
  • A handful of grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until they become aromatic.
  2. Add the arborio rice to the pan and stir it for a minute or two.
  3. Pour in the vegetable stock, little by little, stirring constantly until all of it has been absorbed by the rice.
  4. Add the diced pumpkin to the pan and continue stirring until it is cooked through and the risotto has a creamy consistency.
  5. Sprinkle in some grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into the risotto.
  7. Serve hot with an extra sprinkling of parmesan cheese on top if desired.

This pumpkin risotto is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cosy night in.

The sweet pumpkin adds a subtle depth of flavour to the creamy risotto, making it an autumnal treat for the taste buds.

3. Pumpkin Bread

What better way to start your day than with a slice of homemade pumpkin bread?
This recipe is incredibly easy and yields deliciously moist and flavourful bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Pumpkins were used in bread recipes as early as the 18th century, with the addition of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg becoming popular later.

freshly made pumpkin bread

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  6. Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

This pumpkin bread is a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a spread of your choice.

The warm spices and moist texture make it perfect for autumn mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

At Rhug Estate, we love incorporating seasonal ingredients into our dishes and pumpkins are definitely one of our favourites.

These recipes are just a sample of the many ways you can use this versatile ingredient in your cooking.

Give them a try and let us know which one was your favourite, don’t forget to share your pumpkin creations with us on social media.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Rhug Estate.

Direct from the Rhug Estate Farm Shop:

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