Embrace autumn with 3 easy pumpkin recipes

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.

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.

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.

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.