Looking for some fun and easy pumpkin recipes to make while camping this fall? Check out our three favorites!
It’s no wonder autumn is the favorite season of so many people. Nature is super colorful, the morning air is crisp, the path of every hike is covered in leaves and there are no words to describe the pure joy of snuggling in your favorite blanket in the evening. Last but not least: the beautiful, deep autumn flavours and aromas that spread around the globe and make us excited about the upcoming cold weather. The one that first comes to mind is, of course, her majesty the pumpkin.
If you, too are excited to spend fall outdoors, but also enjoy cooking autumn goodies, keep reading to find out the best pumpkin recipes. But first, let’s talk a little bit about the numerous health benefits of this wonderful produce!
Why are pumpkins called “a superfood”?
Our easy fall camping recipes celebrate the queen of autumn flavors — pumpkin. Pumpkin is unbelievably healthy and contains a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its nutrients can strengthen your immune system, safeguard your vision, reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancers, and improve the condition of your heart and skin. All those benefits gained pumpkin the title of “superfood”, although one can argue that the taste itself is enough to earn that superlative.
#1 Pumpkin Soup
Soup might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of easy food for camping, but we urge you to reconsider. Camp stoves come in many different types or sizes, so carrying one doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge hassle. On the other hand, having a stove opens up a world of recipes that you can enjoy, such as amazing, hot and nourishing soups.
Soups are great for camping in colder weather since they keep you hydrated, replace the electrolytes you have lost with physical activity, and keep you nice and warm. Soup is also a top contender among healthy pumpkin recipes, and you can make it with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
- pumpkin
- powdered heavy cream
- 1 chopped onion
- a few garlic cloves
- a bouillon/stock cube
- spices (we recommend rosemary, bay leaves, nutmeg, salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat).
Cooking instructions
You can also add some root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots, or include some barley to make the soup hearty. The process is simple: first sauté some onions, then add garlic. After 30 seconds you will already sense the garlicky aroma in the air, then just add the vegetables, bouillon cube, some water and spices. Cook till soft enough to mash together; mix the heavy cream with some water and add to the soup to make it into a creamy, orange delight. Season to taste and enjoy your bowl of autumnal flavors!
#2 Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are readily available in supermarkets, but if you’re already making pumpkin recipes, why not use the seeds too? The final outcome will always be superior to store bought versions, and can be used in a variety of meals. Pumpkin seeds will make your breakfast granola or cereal amazingly crunchy, and any trail mix will become a perfect healthy snack for your hike. Once roasted, the pumpkin seeds don’t require special storage, and can even be used to make practical vegan meals for camping.
Ingredients
- pumpkin seeds
- for savory ones: salt, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, etc.
- for sweet ones: maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon.
Cooking instructions
First scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin, then soak in water, rinse and dry them thoroughly. If you want the seeds to be salty, we recommend boiling them in salt water before drying. This is the preparation that can be done at home; during your camping, roast the seeds over the fire and enjoy them anytime you want!
There are numerous pumpkin seed recipes out there and you can definitely add ingredients to your liking, or even make different batches to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings.
#3 Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Dreaming about a chilly autumn night gathered around the campfire with your friends and family? There is one thing missing in this ideal evening: a hot beverage in your hands. And nothing can be more appropriate for an autumn camping trip than a pumpkin-spice hot chocolate! This amazing beverage combines the best of both worlds — the spicy pumpkin aroma and milky sweetness of chocolate.
Ingredients
- milk
- heavy whipping cream (1:2 ratio to milk); you can also use powdered cream mixed with water
- cocoa powder
- pumpkin pie spice
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- whipped cream
- optional: pumpkin puree, chocolate chips.
Cooking instructions
Whisk the milk, cream and cocoa powder together in a pot over the campfire or on the stove. If you have chocolate chips, add them in this step, too. Heat everything until it’s nicely melted and smooth. Add the pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg and cinnamon (and pumpkin puree if you have it). Be sure to taste and adjust sweetness levels if needed, then pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.
As far as pumpkin dessert recipes go, this is the easiest option one can find. Your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied, and your belly will be happy with the warmth of the beverage!
We proved that pumpkin recipes are easy to make even if you’re out camping and want to put your cooking skills to the test. However, if you want to try some amazing pumpkin delicacies without doing the work, you can always do so in the restaurants of camp Šimuni. Our mobile homes and pitches are ready to accommodate you, so book your dates now and experience first-hand the beauty of autumn in Dalmatia!