Exploring International Pumpkin Dishes
Chilly Fall has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and every year as October rolls around so too do a vast array of food dishes featuring everyone’s favorite fall flavor… pumpkin! It seems everywhere you go, restaurants and cafes are clamouring to come up with creative new dishes featuring that special seasonal taste. But while we are used to the likes of pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pastries, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and more in America-I can’t help but think that perhaps its time to take to our kitchens to experiment in more international fare to satisfy this pumpkin craving.
Many tasty dishes around the world feature pumpkin in unique ways- tonight in your own kitchen, why not try to spice up your pumpkin routine with lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves in a flavorful Thai Pumpkin Noodle Soup (recipe found here: http://www.worldlifestyle.com/health/thai-pumpkin-noodle-soup) or these other cuisine suggestions from around the world?
Japanese Pumpkin Salad
This hearty salad employs crunchy chestnuts and a super-flavorful dressing composed of ginger, sesame and soy sauce. Serve along with beef teriyaki skewers and braised greens for a complete meal.
http://tippinthescales.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/international-pumpkin-recipes-1/
Haitian Pumpkin Soup
Rich with French influences of thyme, nutmeg and garlic, this filling soup is a meal in itself.
http://www.pumpkinsoup.org/Pumpkin-Soup-Recipe/international-pumpkin-soup-recipes/hatian-pumpkin-soup-recipe.php
Indian Pumpkin Curry
If you like spicy food, you’ll love this multi-flavored dish rich with cumin, turmeric, garlic, mango and more. Serve with rice, naan and dal.
http://indianfood.about.com/od/vegetarianrecipes/r/kadoosubji.htm
South African Pumpkin Fritters
No pumpkin menu would be complete without dessert, so give these sweet fritters a whirl. If you like cinnamon, you’re in for a real treat. These are almost like pumpkin pies in the form of a heavy donut.
http://www.rainbowcooking.co.nz/recipes/pumpkin-fritters