As Autumn settles in, bringing chilly days and cosy nights, it’s the perfect time to embrace all things pumpkin! From sweet treats to savoury comforts, these two top pumpkin recipes fill your home with the flavours of the season. Whether you're looking to get cosy with loved ones, or embrace the playful spirit of Halloween, these dishes are sure to make your Autumn unforgettable.
Our Top Savoury Pick: Smoky Pumpkin Chili
This smoky pumpkin chili is hearty and full of autumn flavours, with the addition of pumpkin giving it a seasonal twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped coriander, and tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. Heat Oil & Sauté Veggies:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings & Pumpkin:
Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. Let it cook briefly to enhance the spices, then add the pumpkin puree.
3. Add Tomatoes, Beans, & Broth:
Add the can of diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the chili to a simmer.
4. Simmer
Lower the heat and let the chili cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Serve:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favourite toppings.
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Our Top Sweet Pick: Pumpkin Spice Halloween Cake
This moist and flavourful pumpkin spice cake is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a simple cream cheese frosting for a Halloween Twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 block (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil, and mix well. Beat in the eggs.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
3. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 23-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
5. Assemble:
Once the cake is cool, frost the top with cream cheese frosting, and decorate as desired for Halloween, with different frosting shapes, or with spooky candy or sprinkles.
Enjoy these cosy, delicious pumpkin recipes this season!
