Whether you are one who tends to have a little purée left in the can after baking your favorite pumpkin recipe or you've just roasted and mashed 10 pumpkins for a freezer stockpile, chances are if you like pumpkin, you'll someday find yourself with too much on hand. Fortunately, pumpkin purée is very versatile and does not need to be cooked, meaning it can be added to an existing dish with little effort.

Here's three quick and healthy ways to enjoy it all in a flash.

Hero photo: Chino Farm heirloom pumpkins are a regional treasure. Image: Maria Hesse. This photo: Inspiration for a seasonal hummus board. Image: OksanaKilan.

Make a Pumpkin Hummus 

Make your own hummus if you are feeling ambitious or blend the puree with some plain hummus from your fridge. Add cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Pumpkin can also be used in a savory hummus with garlic. Feel free to add in some chopped rosemary for an extra punch. 

Pumpkin oatmeal might make you want to be a morning person. Image: BurwellPhotography.

Pumpkin Oatmeal 

Stir puree directly into a bowl of cooked oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar. Top with pecans or walnuts for extra protein and decadent crunches. 

Pumpkin smoothies might be the best way to eat more pumpkin. Image: OksanaKilan.

Pumpkin Smoothie

Blend the puree with a frozen banana, one cup of milk of choice, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp honey, and a handful of ice for a cool pumpkin treat.

Love Pumpkins? Here's a Recipe You Must Try

Naturally Vegan: Pumpkin "Cheesecake" Brownies

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Trisha Weinberg
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