Pumpkins on our Potluck Plates
The As We Eat community weighs in with pumpkin-themed potluck dishes
This article is part of the Table Talk series, where we discuss everything from kitchen innovations to what’s on the shelves of your pantry. If it’s related to food, it’s on the table.
Welcome Autumn!
All year we’ve been exploring how chefs and food enthusiasts have used cookbooks to marshal their philosophies, perspectives, memories, and manifestos onto our plates, and it put me in the mood for an exploration of how these different cuisines and styles might come together in one of our favorite settings - the potluck supper.
When Leigh and I first started talking about our HARVEST theme for October, I got chills running up my spine and all I could think of was “Spooky Season.” Maybe it is the decided nip in the Pacific Northwest air or the reality that night falls far more quickly now, but visions of a table laden with a sumptuous fall feast appears in my thoughts with alarming regularity.
I thought it would be fun to learn what the As We Eat Community might cook up for a pumpkin-themed potluck, and we were not disappointed with the ideas!
Pumpkin Risotto
This suggestion really got my stomach growling because I love risotto anything and it turns out that pumpkin risotto goes with all kinds of delicious ingredients. Here is a sample of some recipes that will be in regular rotation:
Pumpkin Risotto from NY Times Cooking
Pumpkin Risotto with Apple Cider Caramelized Onions from How Sweet Eats
Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese & Dried Cranberries from Platings and Pairings
Pumpkin Scones
I am admittedly not very keen on pumpkin pie - something about the texture just doesn’t do it for me - but I love pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors when it comes to scones and tea breads. Just brew me up a cup of classic Earl Grey tea (with cream!) and I am good to curl up with a book on a blustery fall afternoon.
There are lots of recipes out there for pumpkin scones and breads, but several folks in our community recommended these Classic Pumpkin Scones by Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Of course, if you MUST have pie then you can’t go wrong with Pumpkin Chiffon Pie by our friend Kate McDermott.
Roasted Pumpkin
When you are looking for a special dish that feels nourishing and nutritious without weighing you down, roasted squashes - especially delicata squash and pumpkin - is the way to go! It can be simple - peel your squash of choice, cut into bite-sized chunks, toss with olive oil, and roast until fork tender - or you can try interesting spice variations like ras el hanout or harissa for something savory or cinnamon & nutmeg for a sweeter treat.
For a dish with real flair, we recommend Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Molasses and Date Syrup by our friend Beth Lee of OMG! yummy.
Another yummy roasted pumpkin concoction comes from Epicurious with this recipe for Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good (namely cheese, bread, and bacon).
Our Pick for Ultimate Pumpkin Potluck Dish
There were so many good (and some scary) suggestions, but after much deliberation, I’m voting for Curried Pumpkin Soup (recipe below), which not only provides a visually-appealing centerpiece but is also a tasty, warming dish to ease the transition from summer to autumn.
Curried Pumpkin Soup
Piquant, creamy pumpkin soup warms both the body and the spirit on a blustery autumn day. The earthy taste of pumpkin is complemented with bright notes of ginger, turmeric, and curry powder accented by a splash of fresh lime juice. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch.
We’d love to hear from you - what’s your favorite pumpkin-themed potluck dish?
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I just teated a recipe for pumpkin chili in the crock pot and it was to die for!