Cook It 5 ways: Pumpkin

Pumpkin chesecake makes for a great dessert.

More often than not, pumpkin is looked upon as a veggie good enough for two things. Either to make a vegetable or subji as we usually do or to be carved out for Halloween, like the other side of the world usually does. But this beautiful bright orange veggie can be used for a lot more than just that.

From soups to pies and even milkshakes and doughnuts, the vibrant pumpkin can be turned into the tastiest treats. Here are some of our favourite pumpkin recipes.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

This soft cream cheese mixed with the beautiful deep orange pumpkin, makes for a perfectly balanced cheesecake. It's a treat for the taste-buds and the eyes as well.

Begin by mixing together crushed biscuits and melted butter. Add this to a baking dish and spread evenly to form a base. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla essence, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder. Add eggs and beat until everything is well incorporated. Pour this on the crust and bake until set. Chill and serve.

Find a recipe here.

Pumpkin Dip

Bored of the same old canned dips? Now eat your favourite chips with this savoury orange dip instead.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, pumpkin puree, cheddar cheese, spring onions, salt, paprika, cinnamon, tomatoes and cilantro. Garnish and serve.

Find a recipe here.

ALSO READ: Don’t Underestimate The Pumpkin Yet

Pumpkin Milkshake

A creamy, indulgent milkshake makes all problems go away, or so it is believed. This one takes hardly four ingredients and five minutes to whip up.

Start by adding vanilla ice-cream, milk, pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Blend well until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Pour in a glass, top with freshly whipped cream and serve cold.

Find a recipe here.

Pumpkin Doughnuts

These light and fluffy doughnuts are great for your sweet cravings and the pumpkin adds just the right flavour.

Mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, salt and baking powder. To this, add pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and butter. Whisk well and spoon into a doughnut pan. Bake for around 10 minutes. Let it cool, glaze it and serve.

Find a recipe here.

Watch: Detox Recipe: White Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin Halwa

More on the desi side, this rich halwa may just be as good as our all-time favourite gajar ka halwa.

In a heavy bottom saucepan, add the chopped pumpkin, water and cinnamon sticks. Cook until the pumpkin is soft enough to be mashed. In a heated pan, add ghee, mashed pumpkin and let it cook until the mix thickens. Stir in sugar and chopped dry fruits and keep cooking. Garnish with more nuts and serve.

Find a recipe here.