12 Surprising Pumpkin Dinner Recipes

Fall is no longer represented by falling leaves or crisp air, but instead, pumpkin-flavored everything. Getting your daily dose of actual pumpkin is extremely beneficial for your health because it is full of vitamins and minerals and it is low in calories. You'll be happy to know that pumpkin fits in all of your dinner dishes and even some dishes you had no idea existed.

When the weather starts to get cold, a warm and filling dinner is the comfort you are looking for. This recipe combines fresh pumpkin, carrot, onions, and sweet apple to create a healthy paleo-approved dinner to please everyone.

For the Apple Pumpkin Soup recipe, click here.

Chili is an easy way to sneak in protein-packed beans and vegetables while still delivering a hearty taste. This healthy chili recipe uses pumpkin as a base for a unique take on a classic cold-weather dish.

For the Hearty Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili recipe, click here.

This vegetarian recipe is full of flavor and can even be made vegan by using agave nectar instead of honey. The best part of the stew is the chickpeas, which are packed with healthy protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

For the Moroccan Pumpkin and Chickpea Stew recipe, click here.

Do you only associate coconut with the summertime? Think again! Combining coconut with pumpkin makes for a sweet fall flavor you'll crave all autumn long. This recipe also uses lemongrass, which adds a subtle lemon flavor without the bitter citrus. You can even add spice to the soup by chopping a fresh jalapeño pepper for added spice. Spicy foods are great for your health and have shown to increase life span.

For the Pumpkin and Coconut Soup recipe, click here.

Just when you are getting sick of sweet potato fries, in comes another beta-carotene rich food. Eating oven-baked pumpkin fries will give you a healthy serving of Vitamin A, which protects your eyes from cataracts and degeneration.

For the Pumpkin Fries with Cumin, Feta Cheese, and Pepitas recipe, click here.

Pick up your fresh pumpkin at a local farmer's market to create a delicious vegetable gratin. Baking the pumpkin in the oven with the Parmesan cheese and hazelnuts forms a savory and sweet crust.

For the Pumpkin Gratin recipe, click here.

Lasagna is a family dinner staple, so why not add a healthy twist? This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and uses fresh organic spices to deliver a kid-pleasing taste. Making healthy alternatives for your favorite dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds, but also make you feel fuller longer.

For the Pumpkin Lasagna Rosemary Ricotta recipe, click here.

This smooth and savory soup uses fresh ginger, which regulates the intestinal track and could prevent stomach ulcers. Lobster adds a healthy source of protein to your soup, to keep you full after your meal.

For the Pumpkin, Lobster, and Ginger Soup recipe, click here.

Clean up your risotto by using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is a complex carbohydrate and whole-grain, which contains proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium. Your body will thank you for keeping your sugar and energy levels steady.

For the Pumpkin Risotto recipe, click here.

You've enjoyed quinoa stuffed peppers and love everything about the ancient grain, but what about pairing it with pumpkin? One cup of quinoa has eight grams of protein and five grams of fiber, and even a dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

For the Quinoa-Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin recipe, click here.

Have you ever heard that vegetables taste better roasted? Baking pumpkin and acorn squash in the oven at a high temperature gives them a such a crispy and crunchy texture, you won't even realize that you're eating vegetables! This is a great healthy side dish that can be paired with lean protein to give you a well-balanced meal.

For the Roasted Pumpkin and Acorn Squash recipe, click here.

Now we aren't talking about those sugary strawberry, blueberry, or cinnamon toaster pastries. Instead, try a savory twist of your favorite breakfast snack using pumpkin. It does not take many ingredients for this pumpkin-filled recipe and a little bit of effort can go a long way to satisfy your daily fall-inspired pumpkin craving.

For the Savory Pumpkin Toaster Pastry recipe, click here.