16 Pumpkin-Centric Jewish Recipes for Fall

Autumn is upon us. Autumn isn’t the best season just because it’s full of Jewish holidays; it’s also the season of delicious pumpkin-flavored foods. Here are some of our best pumpkin-themed recipes.

Entrees:

  • Sweet Potato-Pumpkin Cazuela (Casserole): The classic pairing of sweet potato and pumpkin is perfect in this easy dish and the subtle flavor of coconut milk helps round out the flavors. This is perfect for your Sukkot or Thanksgiving menu!
  • Jamaican Pumpkin Pancakes: These pancakes are perfect for breakfast topped with syrup, or as an hors d’ouevre topped with sour cream and a touch of candied ginger or caviar (if you’re being fancy). The pancakes are also perfect – with any topping – for lunch, dinner, dessert, brunch, etc.
  • Pumpkin Ravioli from Mantua: This recipe is 500 years old from the Jews who lived in Mantua under the Gonzaga duchy during the Renaissance. Topped with brown butter, it’s a perfect, hearty recipe that you’ll want to make over and over again.
  • Pumpkin with DumplingsAt Rosh HaShanah, many SephardiSephardiסְפָרַדִּי Jews who come from Spanish backgrounds and from lands around the Mediterranean Sea.  Jews eat pumpkin to symbolize fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
  • Kasha Pumpkin Pilaf with Shitake Mushrooms: Build a healthy, gluten-free grain bowl that's low-fat and delicious.
  • Roasted Pumpkin Parsnip SoupSweet parsnips and nutmeg round out the seasonal flavors in this soup.

Savory Breads:

  • Pumpkin Challah: An unconventional twist on traditional challah, this dough incorporates pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree. After trying this, you’ll never want a fall Shabbat celebration without it!
  • Pumpkin Cranberry Spice Challah: Perfect for cinnamon lovers, this bread combines the crusty, chewy texture of challah with the delicious fragrance and taste of pumpkin pie. 
  • Pumpkin Parmesan Rugelach: These savory pastries are a fun alternative to their sweet counterparts.
  • Pumpkin Bread: This autumn classic, fragrant with spices, is perfect for Sukkot.
  • Pumpkin Muffins: Moist pumpkin muffins with a crumbly streusel topping are great in the sukkahsukkahסֻכָּה"Booth" or "hut;" temporary structure associated with the agricultural festival of Sukkot; plural: sukkot. and all season long!

Desserts:

  • Pumpkin with Spiced Coconut Custard: This Thai recipe features a hollowed-out pumpkin with custard baked inside of it. When served, your lucky guests get to enjoy a sweet and spicy custard with soft, delicious pumpkin.
  • Pumpkin Chocolate RugelachThis autumn version of the quintessential Jewish dessert combines pumpkin and chocolate to enhance its buttery pastry.
  • Dark and Spicy Pumpkin Pie: Made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and fragrant spices, this pie will fill your kitchen with a delightfully autumnal aroma as it bakes.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sufganiyot: Sufganiyotsufganiyotסֻפְגָּנִית"Jelly doughnuts;" traditionally eaten in Israel during Hanukkah; singular: sufganiyah. (sugar donuts) aren’t just for Hanukkah, and gluten-free foods aren’t just for gluten-sensitive folks! These delicious donuts will not disappoint.
  • Pumpkin Mousse: All the tastiness of pumpkin pie with none of the crust!