Seven Days Of Eating: Because Pumpkins Aren't Just For Jack-O'-Lanterns
Meal Ideas for the week.
The purpose of these Seven Days of eating is to offer support, normalize eating, help you to incorporate a wider variety of food, and push back on diet culture. I became a dietitian because I enjoy eating and making food. I want to help others enjoy and feel safe while eating and making food, too. I do this work to give people MORE options, not less.
Feed yourself and those you love.
It's October, so I thought I'd share with you my favorite pumpkin-based recipes.
Pumpkin + Pasta. This recipe is delightful plus the step-by-step photos help any novice home cook feel like an expert. Serve with crispy apples or a green salad.
Pumpkin Bread. My 6 year old and I made three loaves of this during the week to celebrate our last week of virtual school (I hope. Fingers and toes crossed). It kept nicely on the counter, wrapped in foil. It's arid hear in Phoenix, so you may need to store yours in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. However, I don't think it will last long as it goes well with any meal or snack. Or is THE meal or snack. Add a side of grapes, cucumber slices and a scoop of cottage cheese or yogurt to round it all out. We spread Nutella on ours once or twice!
Pumpkin Soup. Whether you use whole pumpkins or pop open a can of pumpkin puree, this soup will warm you through. I like the suggestion of adding the garlic-kale sesame topping, but it's totally your call. Serve it with a side of sliced pears, and a hot biscuit with butter and honey.
Pumpkin Stew. This 30 Minute Indian Pumpkin Butter Chickpea dish looks fussy from at first glance. Do yourself a favor and get pre-chopped onions, chopped garlic in a jar, and chopped ginger in a jar (all found in the produce section…ask your produce person for help locating). If you can't find naan, use your favorite crusty bread to sop up the stew. Chop up some apples and pears to sprinkle on top. Or, raisins - they're a great topper as well. If this dish is too spicy, have some plain yogurt on the side to sooth the fire on your palate.
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal. Look forward to waking up with this recipe. Top with milk or yogurt, maple syrup, bananas, and/or nuts.
Pumpkin Chili. Make this recipe in a slow cooker to increase the odds that the dinner hour will be hassle-free. Make a double batch and freeze some for a future date. Corn bread is a natural partner, but I wouldn't hate crumbing some Fritos for a little added crunch.
Pumpkin Grilled Cheese. After our bread-making marathon, I had just a small amount of pumpkin puree left over. With the not-so-distant memory of empty grocery shelves still in the front of my mind, I couldn't let it go to waste. Thank you, Martha, for this wonderful suggestion. I had mine with a side of coleslaw but any mixed salad would pair well.
What gets you fed when the very last thing you want to do is step foot in the kitchen? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear your ideas.