Pumpkin also called as ‘Kaddu’ in Hindi, is one of the vegetables that we use in Indian cuisine. There’s not much of a fandom for this vegetable. But let me tell you that the humble pumpkin is so much healthful and tasty. So, I make sure to include this veggie in my family’s diet too. And for the same reason, I have prepared this personalized Collection of 22 vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes that are also super simple to make.
While there are many dishes that are made exclusively only with pumpkin, some dishes include pumpkin with other vegetables. In this Pumpkin Recipes compilation, I have largely shared dishes made with the yellow-orange pumpkin and the white pumpkin or ash pumpkin (ash gourd/wax gourd/winter melon).
More on Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a versatile and nutritious vegetable belonging to the gourd family. Native to North America, pumpkins have been cultivated for thousands of years and have become popular worldwide for their culinary, decorative and nutritional uses. This list of Pumpkin Recipes collates just that awesomeness of this veggie.
Widely used in various culinary dishes, a pumpkin can be roasted, boiled, steamed, or pureed to create soups, stews, side dishes and more. Pumpkin puree is a key ingredient in traditional desserts like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin cheesecake. Pumpkin seeds a.k.a pepitas, are also edible and often roasted and seasoned as a tasty snack.
The most difficult part while making Pumpkin Recipes is to peel or cut the vegetable into small pieces. Unless, you buy pre chopped pumpkin pieces from the market. Once you are able to chop the pumpkin, then more than half of the job is done. From a difficult vegetable to chop, the pumpkin transforms into a melt-in-mouth veggie when cooked.
Beyond uses in traditional Pumpkin Recipes, this veggie has found its way into modern cuisine in various ways. Pumpkin spice, a blend of warming fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, is a classic flavoring used in beverages and desserts. Additionally, savory pumpkin dishes have also gained popularity in contemporary cuisine.
Another important aspect about pumpkins is that they are appreciated for their sustainability since most parts of the plant are used, minimizing waste. Additionally, the plant’s vigorous growth makes it an ideal crop for farmers seeking high yields with relatively low resource inputs.
Why eat Pumpkin
Before you jump onto the lovely Pumpkin Recipes, sharing some reasons on why you should consume this vegetable. Being rich in Vitamin A, pumpkin is very good for the eyes. It is also rich in fibre and hence keeps you full for some time. A good source of potassium which is good for muscles and maintaining body pressure.
Pumpkin Recipes are a must in your diet as this veggie is also low in calories but packed with other minerals. The vibrant orange color of pumpkins indicates a high content of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into Vitamin A.
Besides being a nutritious vegetable, pumpkins have been associated with various health benefits. The nutrients in pumpkin, particularly its high antioxidant content, may support immune function, and skin health. The seeds are also believed to promote heart health and support prostate health in men.
Recipes From Global Cuisine
Pumpkin is easily available everywhere. So, making these vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes is also easy. My list of Pumpkin Recipes consists of both savory and sweet dishes featuring this vegetable. Some are classic regional preparations and also popularly prepared during the Hindi fasting seasons.
Also, while you’re at the Pumpkin Recipes like the pumpkin bread, do not forget to check on the similar recipes like Banana Bread and Zucchini Bread.
Moderate
50 minutes
This homemade Pumpkin Puree recipe can be used for anything that calls for canned pumpkin, and it is completely free of any artificial ingredients. Make a big batch of your own pumpkin puree to use anytime. I share three ways to make homemade pumpkin puree from scratch. I show the pan cooked version and oven roasted pumpkin puree and the Instant Pot method.
Moderate
1 hour
A deliciously easy Pumpkin Pie recipe made without eggs. Filled with fragrant warming spices, homemade pumpkin purée and an all butter homemade pie crust this Eggless Pumpkin Pie is a must make this holiday season.
Moderate
30 minutes
Soft, and fluffy, this healthy Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe is made with whole wheat flour and without eggs. Real pumpkin puree, almond milk and other plant based ingredients make these flapjacks naturally vegan. These kid-friendly pancakes are perfect for either a weekday fall breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch.
Moderate
1 hour 15 minutes
Moist, soft, sweet, and filled with the flavors of fall, my easy Eggless Pumpkin Bread recipe is made in one bowl using regular pantry staples. Best of all, it is naturally vegan, kid-friendly, made healthy with whole wheat flour.
Moderate
30 minutes
This Pumpkin Soup Recipe gives you an easy and tasty homemade pumpkin soup all made in one-pot. The slightly sweet, earthy flavor of the yellow pumpkin, along with added herbs and spices, gives this soup a satisfyingly sweet and savory taste.
Indian Pumpkin Recipes
Moderate
35 minutes
Kaddu ki sabji is an easy and delicious vegan pumpkin recipe made with yellow pumpkin, whole spices and herbs. This is a satvik recipe made without onions and garlic.
Moderate
40 minutes
Pumpkin Halwa is called Kaddu Ka Halwa in Hindi. Subtly flavored, this halwa variant made with pumpkin along with cardamom, melon seeds and nuts – is quite easy to prepare and makes for a delightful dessert as well.
Moderate
40 minutes
Sweet, creamy, and warmly spiced, this Kaddu ki Kheer (also known as Pumpkin Kheer or Pumpkin Payasam) is a flavorsome, easy-to-prepare traditional sweet dish for the Navratri Festival. This tasty pudding like dessert is made with pumpkin, whole milk, ghee, sugar and nuts.
45 minutes
Kaddu ka paratha is a quick, healthy and tasty whole wheat flatbread made from pumpkin, herbs and spices.
Moderate
40 minutes
Pumpkin sambar is a delicious South Indian sambar variety made with yellow pumpkin.
White Pumpkin Recipes (With Ash Gourd)
Moderate
30 minutes
Mor Kulambu is a yogurt or buttermilk based sauce or curry from the South Indian cuisine. This recipe has ash gourd (winter melon, petha, white pumpkin) added to the Mor Kuzhambu and also includes a ground rice, lentils, spices and coconut paste which makes it very flavorful and tasty.
Moderate
35 minutes
This Ash Gourd Recipe is a dish from the Kerala Cuisine called Ash Gourd Thoran. It is simply ash gourd cooked in coconut oil with onions, spices, herbs and finished with coconut.
Moderate
40 minutes
Olan is a delicious curry made with white pumpkin (ash gourd), cowpeas (red lobia or chawli) and coconut milk. Olan recipe comes from the Kerala cuisine.
Moderate
40 minutes
Kashi Halwa also called Dumroot Halwa is a unique, tasty and rich halwa made from ash gourd or white pumpkin, sugar, nuts, ghee, raisins and flavored with saffron.
Moderate
30 minutes
Kootu is a lentil and vegetable based dish from the South Indian cuisine. This recipe of poosanikai kootu is made with white pumpkin (ash gourd), moong lentils and spices+coconut paste.
Recipes With Pumpkin and Other Veggies
Moderate
45 minutes
I share our favorite Sambar Recipe which I have perfected over the years. Make this flavorsome, hearty and nutritious South Indian vegetable-lentil stew with this easy method. Enjoy the sambar with South Indian snacks like idli, dosa, uttapam, medu vada or simply pair it with rice for a comforting, healthy and filling meal.
Moderate
1 hour 15 minutes
Arachuvitta Sambar is a delicious variation of sambar made with lentils, vegetables and freshly ground sambar masala prepared from roasted spices and coconut. This is a no onion, no garlic recipe.
45 minutes
Kerala varutharacha sambar is a delicious variety of sambar made with mix veggies, lentils, roasted spices & coconut. Roasted coconut is one of the highlights of this sambar.
Moderate
50 minutes
Pumpkin Erissery is a mild and tempered curry with light sweet tones made with pumpkin, cowpeas and coconut. A Kerala traditional dish served during onam sadya.
Moderate
1 hour
Avial is a healthy, flavorful dish of mix vegetables in a coconut and yogurt sauce with a finishing of coconut oil and curry leaves. It is a popular traditional recipe from the Kerala cuisine.
1 hour
Dhansak is a hearty, healthy and delicious vegetable and lentil preparation. It is a traditional Parsi lentil dish. This Dhansak recipe also features the Dhansak masala that gives this preparation that extra punch.
Moderate
1 hour
Rushichi Bhaji is a unique mix vegetable preparation that is made during Rishi Panchami which is celebrated on the second day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. For this reason, it is also commonly referred to as Rishi Panchami Bhaji. It is one of those delicious veggie recipe that is super healthy, vegan and gluten-free too. Usually seasonal veggies and tubers are used to make this one.
This Pumpkin Recipes collection from the blog archives was first published in June 2017. It has been updated and republished on October 2023.