Pumpkin: the star of Halloween
30 October 2025
When the days get shorter and the leaves turn orange, there is one vegetable that immediately springs to mind: the pumpkin! With its warm colour, creamy texture and slightly sweet taste, it is perfect for autumn. And during Halloween, the pumpkin even takes centre stage, both as decoration and as flavouring in delicious dishes.
Halloween (31 October) and pumpkins are inextricably linked. Originally tubers were hollowed out in Ireland to ward off evil spirits, but when the custom came to America, the pumpkin proved ideal: large, sturdy and with that distinctive orange glow. Thus was born the Jack-o'-lantern, which still shines on countless pavements.
Pumpkin in the kitchen
Apart from being decorative, the pumpkin is also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can roast it, boil it, mash it or incorporate it into soup, pie or pasta. Moreover, pumpkin is rich in fibre, vitamins A and C, and low in calories, ideal for a healthy autumn meal.
Pumpkin soup with sweet potato and pointed pepper
A bowl of pumpkin soup with sweet potato and pointed pepper is just what you need on a crisp autumn day. This soup has a velvety texture and combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the mild flavour of pointed pepper and sweet potato. The colours are as warm as the flavour. Perfect for warming up after an evening of pumpkin carving or trick-or-treating with the kids.
Pumpkin Pasta
Pumpkin pasta is a surprisingly creamy and flavourful dish in which the pumpkin gives the sauce its smooth texture and slightly sweet flavour. The roasted pumpkin combines wonderfully with whole-wheat pasta and a handful of walnuts for some extra bite. A healthy as well as comfort food dish that shows how versatile this autumn vegetable can be.
Pumpkin with dill sauce
With this recipe for pumpkin with dill sauce, you put a simple but special dish on the table. The fresh creamy sauce with dill is a delicious counterpart to the full, earthy taste of the pumpkin. This dish is a great addition to an autumnal dinner or a festive Halloween meal with a vegetarian touch.
Tip: Use the whole pumpkin
Did you know you can also use the pumpkin seeds? Roast them in the oven with a little oil and sea salt for a crunchy snack full of magnesium and protein. That way you use the whole pumpkin and avoid food waste.