18,000 tonnes of pumpkin are thrown away each year, which is equivalent to 360 million portions of pumpkin pie. If you’re planning on picking a pumpkin this Halloween season, why not make the most of your money and put it to use in the kitchen!
After picking a gorgeous pumpkin from Craigies Farm and carving it with your family or friends, don’t throw away those pumpkin scraps – try one of our delicious leftover pumpkin meal ideas instead!
Not only are pumpkins a lot of spooky fun to carve with the family, did you know they are also highly nutritious? Pumpkins are particularly rich in Vitamin A and high in antioxidants. These nutrients can reduce your risk of chronic illness, boost your immunity and protect your eyesight, among other benefits.
And remember, once you’ve picked your pumpkin at Craigies, you can shop all of the ingredients you’ll need from our farm shop, or you can click & collect from our online shop – we also deliver in the Edinburgh area!
Warming, Hearty Meals
Pumpkin, chickpea & black kale curry
The combination of pumpkin and warm spices in this dish are so comforting, like a big hug! A nourishing dish perfect for cooler and shorter days.
For this recipe we used a ‘Blue Prince’ pumpkin grown at Craigies Farm – just one of the interesting varieties we grow down in the pumpkin patch! Find the full recipe here.
Aubergine, Pumpkin and Coconut Curry
Packed full of flavour, this seasonal curry is a veggie family favourite! It would also be a great meal prep recipe – or make it for the whole family then pack any leftovers for lunch the next day.
Veggie-friendly, you could easily make this recipe vegan using an alternative for Greek yoghurt and vegan flatbreads. Find the full recipe here.
Seasonal Soups
Easy Pumpkin Soup
An easy, rich and creamy soup. A lovely way to heat yourself up after a day out in the cold. Best served with a slice of warm crusty bread!
This recipe truly uses up every part of the pumpkin – we love the addition of toasted pumpkin seeds as a topping! Find the full recipe here.
Pumpkin Stock
Although not technically a soup, this recipe is the perfect way to use both the trim and pumpkin guts that might be left over after carving.
You can use pumpkin stock in almost any savoury dish, like soups, stews and risottos, and your tastebuds will love you for it. Find the full recipe here.
Sweet Treats
Pumpkin Pie
The classic American Pumpkin pie recipe is ideal for the autumn when pumpkins are in season. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it makes a delicious dessert for a cosy Sunday lunch.
Quick and easy to put together, this is sure to be a favourite. Get the kids involved and make it a fun family activity! Find the full recipe here.
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Use your leftover pumpkin trim and grate it to make these gorgeous, spiced cupcakes. Lovely with a cuppa after a chilly afternoon out in the pumpkin patch! Find the full recipe here.
We would love to see your creative pumpkin recipe creations! Tag us on social media (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) to show us which recipes you decide to try with your Craigies pumpkins.
If you would like to hand-pick your own pumpkins this season, come along to Craigies Farm! You can pick pumpkins (and apples too!) at Craigies for the rest of October. Book your slot here.