With autumn coming, I’ve thought about different ways I can either use either canned pumpkin or baked sugar pumpkin in various meals without it becoming junk food. I thought what better to ask ChatGPT for ideas on pumpkin meals. As he notes, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond just pie. Here are some delicious recipes to try:

1. Pumpkin Soup:
   Make a creamy and comforting pumpkin soup by sautéing onions, garlic, and a bit of ginger in a pot. Add canned pumpkin, vegetable broth, a touch of cream or coconut milk, and your favorite spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cumin. Simmer and blend until smooth.
2. Pumpkin Pancakes:
   Add canned pumpkin to your pancake batter for a fall-inspired twist. Mix it with your dry ingredients, along with some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then cook as usual. Serve with maple syrup and whipped cream.
3. Pumpkin Smoothie:
   Blend canned pumpkin with a ripe banana, Greek yogurt, milk or a milk alternative, a dash of honey or maple syrup, and your choice of spices like cinnamon and vanilla. Add some ice cubes and blend until smooth.
4. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce:
   Create a rich and creamy pasta sauce by sautéing garlic and shallots, then adding canned pumpkin, vegetable broth, and a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with cooked pasta.
5. Pumpkin Chili:
   Add canned pumpkin to your favorite chili recipe. The pumpkin adds depth and a slightly sweet flavor to balance out the spices. Include beans, tomatoes, ground meat or plant-based alternatives, and your preferred chili spices.
6. Pumpkin Hummus:
   Give classic hummus a twist by blending canned pumpkin with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and your choice of spices. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.
7. Pumpkin Oatmeal:
   Mix canned pumpkin into your morning oatmeal for a hearty and nutritious breakfast. Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with your choice of sweeteners and toppings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
8. Pumpkin Curry:
   Create a warming pumpkin curry by cooking cubed pumpkin with your favorite curry spices, coconut milk, and vegetables. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
9. Pumpkin Energy Bites:
   Make a healthy snack by mixing canned pumpkin with oats, nut butter, honey, and a variety of add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts. Form into bite-sized balls and refrigerate.
10. Pumpkin Muffins:
    Bake moist and flavorful pumpkin muffins by adding canned pumpkin to your favorite muffin batter. Include spices like cinnamon and cloves, and add nuts or raisins for extra texture.

Canned pumpkin is a wonderful ingredient to experiment with in both sweet and savory dishes. Enjoy your culinary creations!