Don’t Waste a Pumpkin! A Delicious Recipe to Use Every Part of the Pumpkin

 

It’s that time of year when pumpkins are in season, bringing their vibrant colour and hearty flavour to autumn dishes. Most of us are guilty of carving out the seeds and stringy innards and tossing them straight in the bin. But did you know that every part of the pumpkin is packed with flavour and nutrition? This blog is all about making sure none of that pumpkin goodness goes to waste by turning those often-discarded bits into something delicious. Plus, we’ll pair it with a perfect wine to complete the experience!

 

Roasted Pumpkin Seed and Pumpkin Puree Soup

This recipe is a two-in-one treat, using both the seeds and the inner flesh of the pumpkin. Not only will you get a rich and velvety soup, but you’ll also have crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top. Let’s dive in!

 

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Innards: The pulp and seeds from 1 medium pumpkin

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

- 4 cups vegetable stock

- Olive oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Fresh cream or coconut cream, for serving

- Crusty bread, for dipping (optional)

For the Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

- Pumpkin seeds from your pumpkin

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp sea salt

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

- Pumpkin seeds from your pumpkin

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp sea salt

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

 

Method

 

1. Clean the Pumpkin Innards: After cutting the top off the pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the inside. Separate the seeds from the pulp and set them aside for roasting.

 

2. Roast the Seeds: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Rinse the seeds under cold water and pat them dry. Toss them in olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Spread them on a baking tray and roast for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Set them aside to cool.

 

3. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the pumpkin pulp and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to break down.

 

4. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Let the spices bloom for a minute, releasing their fragrance.

 

5. Simmer: Add the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin pulp has completely softened. Use a blender to purée the soup until smooth.

 

6. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

 

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and swirl in a little cream. Top each bowl with a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch. Serve with crusty bread if desired.

 

The Perfect Wine Pairing:

For a meal like this, you want a wine that complements the rich, earthy flavours of the pumpkin while cutting through the creaminess of the soup. A Chardonnay would be a perfect choice, particularly one with a bit of oak influence. The bright acidity and hints of citrus and stone fruit balance out the soup's smoky spices, while the subtle oak brings warmth and depth.

 

 

If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir is a wonderful alternative. It’s light enough not to overwhelm the delicate pumpkin flavour, but its earthy undertones will beautifully enhance the cumin and coriander in the soup.

 

Sustainably Luxurious Living

 

Not only does this recipe help you reduce food waste, but it also makes your autumn table feel extra special. At Tracey Cooper Homeware, we’re all about sustainability, and just like our hand-illustrated kitchen linens, this recipe shows that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand. So, next time you carve up a pumpkin, remember—you can make the most of every part of it, from seed to soup!

Enjoy the warm flavours of fall, and don’t forget to pair this with your favourite wine for an evening of indulgence.

 

Cheers!

 

Shop the Look:

Why not pair this seasonal dish with some of our beautiful kitchen textiles? From our Bee Oven Gloves to our Lobster Tea Towels, these pieces bring vibrant colour to your kitchen while you cook up something comforting and sustainable. Browse our collection here.