No Pie Here: 10 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
I love pumpkin pie—loved it since I was seven (apparently). But now that I’m older and wiser (ha), I’ve learned that there’s so much more to love about pumpkin than pumpkin pie. For one thing, it’s loaded with vitamin A and potassium, and a cup of the stuff has less than 50 calories. Not bad for a fruit (yup, fruit) we more often carve up than chow down.
Let’s change that, shall we? With so many great ways to cook with pumpkin, you have no excuse not to feast on some orangey goodness this fall. Here, 10 healthy pumpkin recipes to get you started, from chili to burgers to (non-pie) desserts.
A Be Well Philly original that’s become a staple in my house. You can sub ground chicken or turkey if you want a leaner meat. My favorite part? One batch can feed an army, which means I have an easy grab-and-go lunch for days.
Top an English muffin, bagel thin or whole-wheat toast with this simple pumpkin butter for a yummy breakfast on the go.
Pumpkin-Seed Sweet-Potato Fries
Last year’s Office Challenge contestants loved this recipe, which marries two fall staples: pumpkins and sweet potatoes.
Pumpkin Hummus
via Cooking Light
Truth be told, this recipe was actually the inspiration for this entire post. Why? Because I love hummus, and I love pumpkin. Put ’em together and what do you get … ? You get the picture.
Southwestern Veggie Pumpkin Burgers
via Eating Well
Because a vegetarian (or wannabe, like me) can only eat so many black bean burgers, the Good Lord invented this. (And by “Good Lord,” I mean the kind folks over at Eating Well.)
Pumpkin Bread
via Eating Well
Definitely more healthful than the pumpkin bread you’ll find at Starbucks. And a whole lot cheaper to boot.
Pumpkin Oatmeal
via About.com
How could I forget the season’s other “best,” oatmeal? This recipe combines the two into one warm, comforting, filling breakfast dish.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
via Health.com
All the taste of pumpkin pie with a fraction of the calories and fat—win-win.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Coconut Bars
via FitSugar
The best things come in bars—pumpkin beer, for example. Also in a bar form: this yummy, chewy, sweet-tooth-satisfying treat.
Roasted Pumpkin and Pomegranate Salad
via Women’s Health
Lest your lunch break feel excluded from the pumpkin club, there’s this salad, which includes pumpkin in the mix and in the dressing. A double whammy.
Related Posts:
Fall Fun: Where to Pick Apples, Pumpkins and More Near Philly
8 Ways to Eat Avocados
6 Yummy Homemade Energy Bars
Haute-Meal: How to Jazz Up Your Morning Oatmeal
>> What are your favorite ways to eat pumpkin? Share in the comments!
