Autumn is a season marked by falling leaves, cooler temperatures, and the much-loved aroma of spiced lattes in the air. For restaurant and catering businesses, it's the perfect time to make the most of the season's versatile ingredient—pumpkin. It isn't just for Halloween; it's a culinary goldmine that can elevate your autumn menu and charm your guests and customers.

This versatile vegetable can be used in a range of dishes, pleasing both upscale and casual dining guests alike. Whether you're looking to add a touch of luxury or a dash of comfort, there are dozens of recipes that are guaranteed to elevate your autumn offerings.

A Flavour Profile Like No Other

When it comes to flavour, pumpkins offer a rich, earthy profile that pairs well with both sweet and savoury dishes. Their natural sweetness can be enhanced with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making them perfect for desserts. On the flip side, their robustness can stand up to strong, savoury flavours like sage, thyme, and rosemary, which makes them an excellent choice for hearty meals.

The Nutritional Advantage

Pumpkins can help cater to health-conscious customers. Rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, they're a nutrient-dense option that can be marketed as a healthier choice on your menu. Moreover, pumpkins are low in calories, making them suitable for a lighter option.

The Most Versatile Ingredient On Your Autumn Menu

From appetisers to main courses, to desserts, the pumpkin is a very versatile ingredient that ass a depth of flour to any dish. Here are some of the most popular ones to add to your menu this autumn.

Kabocha Korokke: A Japanese Twist on Pumpkin

Kabocha Korokke takes pumpkin from a mere vegetable to a delicious croquette that can be served as an appetiser or alongside rice and katsu curry as a well-balanced main meal. This dish is perfect for upscale establishments aiming to add an exotic yet seasonal touch to their menu.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Steam the pumpkin until it's soft enough to be mashed. Cooksmill stocks a range of quality steamers that ensure your pumpkin is perfectly cooked and tender in minutes.
2. Mash the pumpkin and season with salt, pepper, and curry powder.
3. Shape the mixture into small, oval patties.
4. Dredge each patty in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Dredging the patty first ensures the egg perfectly sticks to the surface. Take a look at our range of high-quality dredgers.
5. Deep fry until golden brown.

Additional Tip: Elevate the Korokke into a main meal by serving it with rice and katsu curry. Here’s how to make a quick and delicious katsu curry.

To make the curry sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
3. Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute.
4. Add the vegetable stock, coconut milk, soy sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
   
   

Classic Pumpkin Pie: A Slice of Comfort

Pumpkin pie is an autumn staple that's perfect for casual eateries aiming for comfort and familiarity. It’s also the perfect dessert to whip up at home for a lovely cosy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-made or homemade)
• 1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Take a look at our large-sized mixing bowls that allow you to perfectly mix all your ingredients.
3. Beat eggs with a whisk and add to the mixture, followed by the heavy cream.
4. Add the pastry crust to a pie dish. We stock a range of Silverwood pie dishes that are perfect for pumpkin pies. 
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-45 minutes.

Additional Tip: Consider offering a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for added luxury.

Pumpkin Bread: A Twist on a Classic

Imagine a classic, soft banana bread, but with pumpkin. This moist, spiced bread is versatile enough for both casual and upscale establishments, bakeries, dessert shops, or even for a treat at home with a warm cup of coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix both sugars, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree.
4. Combine both mixtures, then add milk and vanilla extract.
5. Pour into Cooksmill’s loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.

Additional Tip: For a more luxurious addition, serve slices with a side of pumpkin spiced creme fraiche.

Pumpkin Soup: A Bowl of Elegance

A bowl of warm pumpkin soup offers an ideal start to any autumn meal. This heart soup is the perfect autumnal meal in restaurants or at home with family.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin (peeled and diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a large pot, saute onion and garlic until translucent. We have a large selection of quality stainless steel pots to choose from.
2. Add pumpkin and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until pumpkin is tender.
4. Blend until smooth, then add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cooskmill stocks a range of high-end blenders that ensure your pumpkin soups are perfectly smooth every time.

Additional Tip: Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of cream for an extra touch of sophistication.

Minimise Pumpkin Waste:

A Delicious Roasted Pumpkin Seed Snack

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Other seasonings to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkin seeds are golden brown and crispy.
6. Let the pumpkin seeds cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Our Araven airtight containers are perfect for storing your roasted seeds.

Additional Tips: Here are some ideas for other seasonings that you can try on your roasted pumpkin seeds:

• Cinnamon and sugar
• Italian seasoning
• Ranch dressing seasoning
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Lemon zest and salt
• Parmesan cheese and garlic powder
• Sriracha powder and soy sauce
  
  

Shop with Cooksmill

Cooksmills essential equipment and tools, combined with these pumpkin recipes on your seasonal menu, means your restaurant or catering business is sure to dazzle customers this autumn. Whether you're catering to an upscale audience or offering homey comfort food, pumpkin is your versatile ally for seasonal success.