Five tasty ways to use up your leftover pumpkin

After carving your pumpkin, don’t let those insides spill! Here are five simple ideas to reduce waste and give those leftover pumpkins a new purpose.

Supermarkets are full of pumpkins this time of year, and they’re not just regular oranges—weird varieties like white “ghost” pumpkins and odd-shaped pumpkins are also popping up.

We’ve used pumpkin tealight holders for years to save money and be eco-friendly, but I’ll admit, it feels like a loss.

Real pumpkins are very affordable, usually under £1, and the warm glow with a tea candle inside is a real treat. In addition, there are many ways to use what usually ends up in the bin.

Instead of tossing the inside of your pumpkin, try some fall, family-friendly ideas that taste as good as they feel!

1. Pumpkin hummus

At home, we love hummus, so why not give it an autumn twist?

Roast the pumpkin first for a rich flavor, then mix it with your usual hummus ingredients.

This recipe is easy and delicious! You can even use a curved pumpkin as a serving dish for a fun, seasonal touch.

I also love this suggestion from BBC Good Food that you can use pumpkin to serve hummus too!

2. Pumpkin soup

Making homemade soup is simple, easy to use, and so much better than anything that comes in a can.

This potato and pumpkin soup is straightforward: just mix everything in a pot and let it boil, saving on both washing up and effort!

This recipe uses half a pumpkin, so you’ll still have plenty left over for another dish.

3. Pumpkin risotto

We have started skipping meat once a week to save money and be green.

Using leftovers is another great way to save money, and pumpkin risotto is a delicious way to use up all of your pumpkin.

Here’s a tip: don’t worry about using expensive risotto rice. Regular rice works well and saves you some money (and cupboard space!).

4. Pumpkin muffins

These pumpkin chocolate muffins are a favorite of my teens.

They are warm, comforting, and taste just like fall! Fresh out of the oven, they are soft, and the chocolate is a little gooey.

They keep well for several days in an airtight container—if they last that long!

5. Roasted pumpkin seeds

Don’t forget about the seeds! Instead of buying pumpkin seeds at the store, make your own from your pumpkin seeds.

Simply clean them, brush them with oil or melted butter and your favorite spices (such as garlic powder, pepper, or paprika), and bake at 180°C for about 45 minutes until golden brown.

Do you have other favorite ways to use up leftover pumpkin? Try this, and enjoy a pumpkin season that doesn’t go to waste!