Pumpkin Perfection: From Pie To Pillow

Fall, Holidays, Seasonal, Vegetables

Autumn here is a feast for the senses — colorful pumpkins, crisp air, and a hint of seasonal magic. Grab your favorite pie pumpkin and bring it home to create a homemade dish that’s perfect for friends, family, and all your fall gatherings. Check out this recipe below for your next favorite pie pumpkin dish that’s not pumpkin pie!

Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie pumpkin from Van Putte Gardens
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Butter and sage (for serving, optional)

Homemade Brown Butter & Sage Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6–8 fresh sage leaves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add sage leaves and cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Toss cooked gnocchi in the sauce and serve warm. Top with Parmesan if desired.

Gnocchi Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Puree

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the pie pumpkin in half and scoop out seeds and strings (save seeds for roasting if desired).
  3. Place pumpkin halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 45–60 minutes until the flesh is soft.
  4. Let cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

  1. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of your homemade pumpkin puree with the egg, salt, and nutmeg.
  2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

  1. On a floured surface, roll dough into ropes about ½ inch thick.
  2. Cut ropes into 1-inch pieces. Optional: Roll each piece over a fork for ridges.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface (2–3 minutes).
  2. Toss in your brown butter sauce and enjoy!

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