Oh my Gourd! Autumn is here and I’m HERE for it. It’s not just the brilliance of colors from the leaves falling or the cozy sweaters, it’s the PUMPKIN that I just can’t stop cooking with! And today I’m sharing some of my favorite vegan pumpkin recipes with you.
So what kind of pumpkins are we talking about? There are swan pumpkins that, quite literally, look like swans. There are these incredible pastel pumpkins that look like they belong in a fairytale. Ever watched Cinderella? Hello, pumpkin carriage!
To make your masterpieces, you’ll want to use a sugar pumpkin (aka pie or sweet pumpkin). You’ll recognize them at the market – they’ll usually be small and round! The big ones you find are watery, stringy flesh and won’t be the best to use in your incredible recipes!
Pumpkins aren’t just for fairy tales though, they’re an incredible way to fill your body with nutrition.
I have been eating pumpkins every day. I’m anemic and my iron count is very low. But it’s not just incredible for its iron content. Read below to soak in some pumpkin facts:
Soothes and Protects
These attributes of pumpkin give it an anti-inflammatory effect for soothing ulcers, acid reflux, an irritated gut, and in cases of a hot, burning digestive tract. Another client, who regularly experiences a hot digestive tract, reaped the rewards of this Pitta pacifying vegetable and notes, “It felt soothing in my upper GI which is highly acidic and easily aggravated.”
Glow from within
The beautiful amber hues of pumpkins can increase the luster and glow of your skin too. Pumpkins contain high levels of beta-carotene which is a pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their rich orange, yellow and red colors. The body converts this beta-carotene into Vitamin A, which benefits the skin and the eyes. This, along with pumpkin’s Vitamin C and E content, plays an essential role in the health, development, and maintenance of the skin by minimizing cell damage caused by free radicals and protecting the skin from premature aging, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Don’t forget about the seeds!
The seeds are a source of tryptophan! Which is converted to serotonin and Melatonin! Not only that, they’re a natural mood booster because of their zinc and magnesium content.
Vegan Pumpkin Recipes
Luckily, you can grab pumpkin puree all year long but if you’re lucky to have access to these magical fruits (yep, they’re a fruit!) then here are some recipes to inspire you:
Vegan Pumpkin Nachos
Quinoa Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
Vegan Pumpkin Leek Soup
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Best Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
Recipes & photography by Sarah Kermalli (@sculptedkitchen).
