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Asian-Style Pumpkin: 3 Recipes That Will Break You Out of Your Soup Routine

Foodland Magazine
14.10.2025

Pumpkin doesn't have to end up just in soup. Discover coconut curry with chickpeas, roasted pumpkin with miso glaze, and a delicate coconut dessert. We'll also give you advice on choosing pumpkin and preparing it.

Foodland magazine · Seasonal cooking

Pumpkin with coconut, miso and curry

Sweet pumpkin pairs well with coconut milk, chili, ginger, and sesame oil. Try it in a Thai-inspired curry, with Japanese miso paste, or in a delicate coconut dessert.

Removing seeds from a cut pumpkin in preparation for cooking

What kind of pumpkin should I use and what is it good for?

The soft flesh is good for sauces, the firmer pieces are good for baking, and the pleasant sweetness is good for desserts. Choose according to the dish you want to prepare.

01 · SOFT AND CREAMY

Butternut squash

Butternut squash, also known as butternut squash , has a mild, sweet flavor. Once softened, it easily blends into a smooth puree and pairs well with coconut milk or curry paste. Peel it before cooking.

Best Uses Thai curries, soups, purees and stir-fry. When stir-frying, cut into smaller, even pieces to allow time for softening.

02 · WITH THE SHELL

Hokkaido pumpkin

It has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and is also suitable for stronger sauces. A healthy, undamaged peel just needs to be washed thoroughly; with sufficient heat treatment, it softens along with the flesh.

Best used Baking with miso glaze, chickpea curry or adding to ramen. You can add pieces of baked or boiled pumpkin to ramen when serving.

03 · FRAGRANT PLUM

Butternut squash

Butternut squash, such as the Musquée de Provence variety, has an aromatic flesh and can be distinctly sweet. Both water content and consistency depend on the variety and ripeness. Remove the skin before cooking.

Best used for: Dessert purees, sweet coconut creams and stews. You can also use other large edible pumpkins; if the flesh is watery, add the liquid gradually.

Tip from the Foodland kitchen: chunks or cream?

The resulting consistency is mainly determined by the type of pumpkin, the size of the pieces, and the cooking time. The lid will mainly affect the evaporation of the liquid.

When the pieces have to hold their shape

Cut the pumpkin into even cubes, about 2–3 cm. Cook it gently, stirring carefully and testing with a fork from time to time. When it is soft, stop cooking; stirring vigorously and cooking for a long time will break it unnecessarily.

When you want to thicken a sauce

Cut some of the pumpkin into smaller pieces and let them soften completely. Then mash them directly into the sauce. Blend the pumpkin into a smooth puree, adding the liquid a little at a time.

Three recipes that will replace pumpkin soup

Choose a main course, side dish or dessert. Each recipe opens with a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Swipe to the side → more recipes

Coconut curry with pumpkin pieces, chickpeas and fresh herbs
01 · Inspiration from Thai cuisine

Coconut curry with pumpkin and chickpeas

30–35 minutes 2–3 servings

Pumpkin, chickpeas and coconut milk in a red curry paste sauce. Garlic, ginger and lime add flavor; serve with jasmine rice.

For a vegan version: Choose a curry paste without shrimp paste, fish sauce, or other animal ingredients. Always check the ingredients of a specific product.

View recipe →
Baked pumpkin mooncakes ready to serve
02 · With Japanese miso paste

Roasted pumpkin with miso glaze and sesame

Approximately 40 minutes 2 servings / 3–4 as a side dish

Sweet pumpkin and salty miso glaze create a bold combination. Sesame oil and seeds add a nutty note. Goes well with rice, udon noodles, and salads.

Time breakdown: Approximately 15 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of baking. Start preheating the oven during preparation.

View recipe →
Chopped pumpkin and coconut milk to make a sweet dessert
03 · Coconut dessert

Sweet pumpkin with coconut milk

20–25 minutes 2–3 servings

A delicate dessert with pumpkin pieces, coconut milk and a little sugar. The recipe uses starch for thickening and optional vanilla. You can serve it warm or cold.

To serve: Garnish with toasted coconut, sesame seeds or mint leaves. Time 20–25 minutes not including cooling.

View recipe →

Start with what you feel like doing.

Pumpkin doesn't have to end up just in soup or cake. For a hearty lunch, choose coconut curry, baked moong dal with miso with rice or noodles, and for a sweet finish, a coconut dessert. The same seasonal ingredient takes on three different forms.

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