Savory Instant Pot Pumpkin Recipes
With fall just a day or two away, savory pumpkin recipes are in order, right? Nothing makes the process easier than your trusty Instant Pot! These 8 Savory Pumpkin Recipes Using the Instant Pot include both vegetarian and meat-loving options, and both exotic and comfort style recipes. Try one or try them all!
I guess I’m just feeling Septemberish,” sighed Chester. “It’s getting towards autumn now. And it’s so pretty up in Connecticut. All the trees change color. The days get very clear―with a little smoke on the horizon from burning leaves. Pumpkins begin to come out.
~~ George Selden, The Cricket in Times Square
👩🏻🍳 Tamara Talks – About Pumpkins and Savory Pumpkin Recipes
I wish fresh pumpkin was available for more than a few weeks a year. I especially love the pretty miniature varieties like “jack-be-little” and “baby boo” pumpkins. I used carnival squash for my candied pumpkin in spiced syrup last year.
Fresh pumpkins are available in McAllen for 4-6 weeks a year in our local markets, and the varieties are somewhat limited. I do find the standard jack-o-lantern pumpkins, and pie pumpkins widely available, but I love the heirloom and colorful varieties.
Pumpkin is a winter squash, and if you cannot get fresh pumpkin, you can substitute other winter squash like butternut or kabocha in many recipes. It is technically a fruit, but the nutrition profile is more like that of a vegetable.
Is pumpkin healthy?
Pumpkin is a very healthy food. It is nutrient-dense, meaning the vitamins and minerals to calorie ratio is quite high. One 8 ounce serving provides:
- calories: 49
- protein: 2 g
- carbohydrates: 12 g
- fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin K: 49% RDI
- Vitamin C: 19% RDI
- Potassium: 16% RDI
- Vitamin E: 10% RDI
- Iron: 8% RDI
- Folate: 6% RDI
- Niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and thiamin: 5% of the RDI
Pumpkin is very high in beta-carotene – an important antioxident. The body turns beta-carotene into Vitamin A. For more, see Pumpkin: Nutrition, Benefits, & How to Eat.
In my mind, Halloween is the unofficial start of the crazy holiday season, and pumpkins should be available October through Thanksgiving. I hope you’ll take the time to venture past your holiday homemade pumpkin pie, and try one or more of these delicious Instant Pot savory pumpkin main dishes!
🎃 Savory Pumpkin Mains – With Meat
Savory Pumpkin Dishes (with Meat)
Cubed pork, ground beef, chicken, and steak cozy up with pumpkin in these flavorful and filling fall main dishes!
Bringing those awesome South-of-the-Border flavors, Instant Pot Pork and Pumpkin Stew combines tender pork, hominy, pumpkin (or other winter squash) with both poblano or Hatch green chile, and chipotle chiles, in a healthy one-pot stew! Stove top instructions as well!
This Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili tastes slightly sweet, has a mild kick, and is so smooth and velvety from adding a whole can of pumpkin (plus my secret chili ingredient). It takes fall cooking to a whole other level!
A spicy pressure cooker pumpkin chicken corn chowder loaded with chunks of tender chicken, potatoes, and kernels of corn.
This Instant Pot stuffed pumpkin feast is the best thing that you can make in your Instant Pot! A whole pumpkin stuffed with rice, steak, nuts, and cranberries ready in just under 1 hour!
🎃 Savory Pumpkin Mains – Vegetarian
Instant Pot Savory Vegetarian Pumpkin Recipes
For pumpkin lovers on a plant-based diet, I've got comforting classics and curries with a Thai spin!
Vegan Thai Pumpkin Red Curry is a delicious dish to satisfy those curry cravings. Super flavorful, Vegan one-pot curry made with red curry paste, coconut milk, pumpkin and other veggies. Easy to make in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Enjoy with jasmine rice or coconut rice for a perfect meal!
Instant Pot Red Curry Vegetables is a super flavorful mild Thai curry that also happens to be vegan. This is a simple, healthy Instant Pot Dump and Start recipe that we just love! This pressure cooker red curry vegetables recipe makes a nice lunch or dinner. It is very versatile, so you can change it up with different veggies.
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto is creamy, satisfying and full of flavor, and is suitable for gluten free and vegan diets!
Instant Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is creamy, cozy and chock full of flavorful pumpkin and fall spices. You'll love making this easy pressure cooker pumpkin mac and cheese recipe all season long!
Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy and delicious meal, that is perfect for fall or Thanksgiving. Cheesy, made with warm spices and lots of buttery pumpkin bites.
What an amazing collection of recipes! I love pumpkins but there’s only so much pie I can eat! Can’t wait to try out some of these!
I’m with you Betty! Pie really isn’t my favorite, but I love fall/winter fare, and pumpkins are a perfect choice in savory soups, stews, and such!