Pumpkin is an essential ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and it is no surprise that it is also used in their traditional desserts. One of the most popular and delicious Mexican pumpkin recipes is the calabaza en tacha, or candied pumpkin. This delightful treat is made by cooking pumpkin pieces in a sweet syrup until they become tender and caramelized. It is perfect for fall and winter gatherings, and its rich and warm flavors will surely become a family favorite. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized introduction to this mouth-watering Mexican pumpkin recipe.
This flavorful soup is the perfect way to warm up on a cool fall evening. It combines the sweet and savory flavors of pumpkin, spices, and Mexican ingredients like chili peppers and tomatoes. The result is a bowl of comfort that will leave you wanting more. Serve it with some tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
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Smoky Braised Mexican Pumpkin
Main Ingredients: Chipotle Chiles, Garlic, Tomatillos, Fire Roasted
This dish takes pumpkin to a whole new level. The pumpkin is braised in a smoky tomato sauce that is packed with garlic, onions, and spices. The result is a tender and flavorful pumpkin that pairs perfectly with some rice and beans. Add some avocado and cilantro for a fresh and colorful touch.
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Mexican Pumpkin Empanadas
Main Ingredients: Flour, White Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Vegetable
These handheld treats are filled with a delicious mixture of pumpkin, black beans, corn, and spices. The empanadas are baked until golden and crispy, making them a healthier option than traditional fried empanadas. Serve them as an appetizer or make them a meal by pairing them with a side salad.
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Mexican Pumpkin Soup With Rice
Main Ingredients: Pumpkins, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Onion, Fresh Ginger
If you love a hearty soup, this recipe is for you. The pumpkin is combined with rice, black beans, and corn for a filling and satisfying meal. The addition of lime and cilantro adds a fresh and zesty touch to balance out the flavors. Top it off with some cheese and tortilla strips for a bit of crunch.
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Calabaza En Tacha (Mexican Candied Pumpkin)
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Water, Piloncillo, Orange Zest, Cinnamon Sticks
This traditional Mexican dessert is a must-try for pumpkin lovers. The pumpkin is cooked in a syrup made from piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves, giving it a sweet and spicy flavor. Serve it as is or use it as a topping for ice cream or pancakes. It's the perfect fall treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Pumpkin-Ancho Enchiladas with Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Ancho Chili Peppers, Pumpkin, Garlic, Ground Cumin
If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional enchiladas, give this recipe a try. The pumpkin-ancho sauce adds a rich and smoky flavor to the dish, while the pulled pork adds a delicious meaty element. Top it off with some sour cream and green onions for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Pumpkin Chorizo Tamales with Pumpkin Mole
Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Baking Powder, Chili Powder, Ground
These tamales are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. The combination of pumpkin and chorizo gives the tamales a unique and delicious flavor that is complemented by the pumpkin mole. Serve them as a main dish or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
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Vegan Black Bean and Pumpkin Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Tortillas, Tomatillo Salsa, Pistachios, Green Onion
This vegan-friendly dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. The pumpkin and black bean filling is spiced up with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, and then rolled up in corn tortillas. Top it off with some salsa and avocado for a fresh and delicious meal.
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Pumpkin Puke Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Onion, Serrano, Small Tomato, Coriander
Don't let the name of this dish scare you away – it's actually quite delicious! The pumpkin adds a unique twist to traditional guacamole, and the addition of jalapeno peppers gives it a spicy kick. Serve it with some tortilla chips or use it as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
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Pumpkin Pork Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Corn Tortillas, Cheese, Cumin, Chili Powder
This dish is perfect for using up leftover pork. The pumpkin and pork filling is wrapped in corn tortillas and smothered in a rich and flavorful pumpkin sauce. Top it off with some cheese and sour cream for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Chipotle Pumpkin Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Tortillas, Enchilada Sauce, Pumpkin, Olive Oil, Sea
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these spicy enchiladas. The pumpkin and chipotle peppers give the dish a smoky and spicy kick, while the black beans add a protein boost. Top it off with some crumbled queso fresco for a creamy and tangy finish.
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Roasted Pumpkin Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Black Beans, Whole Kernel Corn, Yellow Onion
This recipe takes advantage of the natural sweetness of pumpkin. The pumpkin is roasted and then used as a filling for the enchiladas, adding a delicious and unexpected touch. The pumpkin sauce is made with heavy cream, garlic, and spices, making it the perfect accompaniment for the enchiladas.
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Non-Traditional Pumpkin Mole
Main Ingredients: Chili, Non Stick Spray, Peanuts, Pepitas, Sesame Seeds
If you're a fan of traditional mole, you'll love this pumpkin version. The pumpkin adds a unique and delicious flavor to the sauce, and the chocolate and peanuts give it a rich and complex taste. Serve it over your favorite protein or use it as a dipping sauce for chips or veggies.
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Diego Rivera – Stacked Tortilla Torta
Main Ingredients: Refried Beans, Pumpkin, Red Onion, Red Capsicum
This dish is a nod to the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera, who was known for his love of food. The torta is made with layers of tortillas, black beans, pumpkin, and cheese, and then topped with a delicious tomato and avocado salsa. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Mole De Olla
Main Ingredients: Beef Shin, White Onions, Bay Leaf, Garlic, Thyme, Beef
This hearty stew is a staple in Mexican cuisine. The pumpkin is cooked with beef, corn, zucchini, and spices to create a flavorful and filling dish. Serve it with some rice or tortillas for a complete meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Best Ever Pumpkin Bread
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Eggs, Oil, Pumpkin, Flour, Baking Soda, Baking
This pumpkin bread recipe is a must-try. It's moist, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of spices. The addition of chocolate chips takes it to the next level, making it the perfect treat for any pumpkin lover. Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
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Pumpkin Bread.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Eggs, Pumpkin, Flour, Ground
If you're looking for a classic pumpkin bread recipe, this one won't disappoint. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The pumpkin and spices give it a warm and comforting flavor, and the pecans add a nice crunch. Serve it with some butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
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AMAZING Pumpkin Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Ground Nutmeg, Cinnamon
The name of this recipe says it all – it's truly amazing. The pumpkin bread is made with cranberries, walnuts, and spices, making it the perfect fall treat. It's moist, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Bake a loaf and share it with your loved ones.
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Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
These festive cupcakes are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. The pumpkin and chai flavors pair perfectly together, and the cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch. Top them off with some cinnamon or nutmeg for a finishing touch.
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Classic Pumpkin Pie
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Pumpkin, Molasses, Brown Sugar, Salt
No list of pumpkin recipes would be complete without a classic pumpkin pie. This recipe is simple and foolproof, making it perfect for any level of baker. The pumpkin filling is perfectly spiced and pairs perfectly with a flaky pie crust. Serve it with some whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious and traditional dessert.
Ingredients
To make calabaza en tacha, pumpkin is, of course, the star of the show. You will also need piloncillo, which is a type of unrefined brown sugar commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Other essential ingredients include cinnamon sticks, clove, and orange peel, which add warm and citrusy notes to the dish. You can also add raisins or prunes for some extra sweetness and texture.
Instructions
To begin, cut the pumpkin into medium-sized chunks and remove the seeds. In a large pot, combine the pumpkin, piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. Add enough water to cover the pumpkin and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about an hour, or until the pumpkin is tender and the syrup has thickened.
Once the pumpkin is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. You can serve the calabaza en tacha as is, or for a more decadent dessert, you can fry the pumpkin pieces in a pan with some butter until they are lightly browned and crisp. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Variations
While the traditional calabaza en tacha recipe uses piloncillo as the sweetener, you can also use honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or star anise, to give the dish a unique twist. Additionally, you can add almonds or walnuts for some crunch or a splash of rum for a boozy kick.
In conclusion, calabaza en tacha is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican pumpkin recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Its warm and comforting flavors will surely make it a hit with your family and friends. So next time you crave something sweet and satisfying, give this recipe a try and be prepared to be amazed by its deliciousness.
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