Pumpkin Pie with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Vegan Option)

This time of year, many households are buying and carving pumpkins for Halloween. Instead of throwing away the insides of your pumpkins, why not try and make something delicious and creative with them? From the pulp of just two regular sized pumpkins, you can make a gorgeous, creamy, spiced pumpkin pie. Don’t forget those nutty pumpkin seeds!

Pie Crust

  • 225g plain flour
  • 115g butter or vegan margarine
  • 2 tablespoons water

Pie Filling

  • 500g pumpkin puree (seeds removed)
  • 70g brown sugar
  • 60ml golden syrup, agave syrup or maple syrup
  • 170ml milk or plant based alternative
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Roasted Seeds

  • Separate the pumpkins seeds from the pulp, and spread across a baking tray. Let the seeds dry out for a few hours, sprinkle with salt and bake in the oven at 180C for 20 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

Pie Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C. You can either make your own shortcrust pastry, or buy some ready-made/ready rolled from the shop.
  2. If you are making your own, sift the flour into a large bowl and gently rub in the butter or margarine with your fingers, until a breadcrumb consistency forms. Add the water a bit at a time until the dough begins to come together. Roll out onto a floured surface until 1/2cm thick, and then transfer into a greased pie dish.
  3. To prepare your filling, add your pumpkin pulp to the blend and mix until smooth. If you have any pumpkin flesh left over from carving, remove the skin and cut into chunks. Boil in a pan until tender, then add to the blender.
  4. Add the rest of the pie filling ingredients and blend until smooth.
  5. Pour the filling into the pie base, and cook for 50-60 minutes, or until the top has set and the pastry is golden brown. The pie will continue to set when cooling, and is best kept in the fridge overnight before cutting. Serve with whipped cream or coconut cream.

TIP: If you have any pie filling left over, try making some miniature pies in the style of open top mince pies.