After you’ve carved your pumpkin, don’t let those insides go to waste! Here are five creative ideas to reduce waste and give those pumpkin leftovers a new life. Supermarkets are overflowing with pumpkins this time of year, featuring not only the classic orange varieties but also quirky options like white “ghost” pumpkins and uniquely shaped squashes. While we’ve enjoyed using pumpkin tealight holders for years to save money and be environmentally friendly, it can sometimes feel like we’re missing out. Real pumpkins are incredibly affordable, often costing less than £1, and the warm glow of a tea candle inside is truly enchanting. Plus, there are countless ways to utilize what typically ends up in the trash.
Instead of discarding your pumpkin’s insides, try these autumnal, family-friendly ideas that are as delightful to make as they are to enjoy!
1. Pumpkin Hummus
In our home, hummus is a beloved staple, so why not infuse it with a seasonal twist? Start by roasting the pumpkin to enhance its flavor, then blend it with your favorite hummus ingredients. This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly delicious! For an added touch of fun, you can serve the hummus in the hollowed-out pumpkin itself, creating a festive centerpiece. I also love the suggestion from BBC Good Food to use the pumpkin as a serving bowl!
2. Pumpkin Soup
Crafting homemade soup is straightforward, budget-friendly, and significantly tastier than anything you can find in a can. A perfect option is a potato and pumpkin soup, where you can simply throw everything into a pot and let it simmer to perfection. This recipe requires only half of your pumpkin, leaving plenty left over for another delightful dish!
3. Pumpkin Risotto
In an effort to save money and make more sustainable choices, we’ve started skipping meat once a week. Utilizing leftovers is another great way to keep costs down, and pumpkin risotto is a delicious method to use the remaining pumpkin. Here’s a tip: feel free to use regular rice instead of pricey risotto rice; it works just as well and saves you both money and cupboard space!
4. Pumpkin Muffins
These chocolate chip and pumpkin muffins are an absolute hit with my teenager. They are warm, comforting, and encapsulate the essence of autumn! Freshly baked, they are soft, and the melted chocolate adds a delightful gooeyness. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days—if they last that long!
5. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t overlook the seeds! Instead of purchasing pumpkin seeds from the store, you can create your own using the seeds from your pumpkin. Simply clean them, toss them in a bit of oil or melted butter, and season them with your favorite spices (such as garlic powder, chili, or paprika). Then bake at 180°C for about 45 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Do you have any other favorite ways to use leftover pumpkin? Try these suggestions, and enjoy a wonderfully waste-free pumpkin season!