Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, golden turnovers filled with spiced roasted pumpkin and cumin, a sweet-savory appetizer with Caribbean flair. This caribbean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 53 minutes pairs pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 28 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cumin, 1/4 cup minced onion, and 2 tbsp chopped chives. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to thicken.
  2. Step 2: Roll 2 cups all-purpose flour into a thin sheet on a floured surface, then cut into 6-inch squares. Place 2 tbsp of pumpkin filling in the center of each square, fold corners to form triangles, and crimp edges with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Brush pastelillos with 3 tbsp olive oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 25-28 minutes until golden brown and crisp, rotating the pan halfway through cooking.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 53 minutes (25 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pumpkin puree from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Savory Pumpkin Pastelillos with Cumin?

Caribbean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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