As October’s days get shorter, many begin to crave the perfect pumpkin pie: rich, creamy filling with a hint of spice, buttery crust that flakes effortlessly and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to sit atop it all. But limiting one’s pumpkin experience to pie is a crime against this month’s favorite squash. Here are five delicious dishes to expand your pumpkin palate.
1. PUMPKIN ICE CREAM
Sundaes and Cones | 95 E. 10th St.
Sundaes and Cones, known for their unique flavors like wasabi and taro, have added a pumpkin flavor for the fall. A perfect treat for the last warm days of the year, this ice cream is bursting with flavor, and complemented with an almost batter-like sweetness and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
$3.50 for a single scoop in a wafer or sugar cone.
2. SWEETIE PIE PUMPKIN DUMPLINGS
Dumpling Man | 100 St. Marks Place
Each dumpling made at Dumpling Man is created in the classic northern-Asia-style: handcrafted with care and packed with flavor without the heaviness of any excess dough. The Sweetie Pie is stuffed with homemade pumpkin pie filling and steamed goji berries. It is also covered in a mixture of condensed milk, honey and cinnamon — a sweet sauce perfect for pumpkin.
$4, cash only.
3. PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Café Orlin | 41 St. Marks Place
As if anyone needed another excuse to order pancakes at brunch, which Café Orlin serves until 4 p.m., the cafe’s seasonal pumpkin pancakes, appearing seasonally on the menu, have given us one. They are dense, sweet and served with a dollop of cinnamon yogurt, which complements the rich pumpkin flavor. Try them before they disappear until
next fall.
$10.
4. PUMPKIN RAVIOLI
Cucina di Pesce | 87 E. Fourth St.
Ravioli stuffed with any squash — butternut, acorn, summer — are a treat, and pumpkin ravioli are no different. At Cucina di Pesce, they stuff their ravioli with pumpkin and ricotta cheese and serve it with a fresh homemade pesto sauce, creating a tasty combination.
If you have a kitchen, look no further than Piemonte Ravioli Co. at 190 Grand St. to buy dry pumpkin ravioli to make at home. Having made fresh pasta daily for 90 years, they have
perfected a pumpkin ravioli that does not disappoint.
$12.
5. SECRET LIFE OF PUMPKIN RICE PUDDING
Rice to Riches | 37 Spring St.
Ice cream is a classic and fro-yo is trending, but if you’re looking for an alternative to frozen dairy products, rice pudding is worth a try. It’s creamy without being heavy, and the soft rice adds a unique texture. Rice to Riches may have steep prices, with eight ounces costing $7, but the variety of flavors and the quality of the pudding are unmatched. Try the seasonal special: Secret Life of Pumpkin. If you’re feeling daring, grab some friends and opt for the Sumo, 40 ounces for $25. They say it serves five, but that won’t stop you from facing the behemoth alone.
$7 to $9.
A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Oct. 23 print edition. Dylan Freehauf is a contributing writer. Email him at [email protected].
