SLIMMING World Consultant Vanessa Read, who runs a slimming group in Upwell, says the humble pumpkin can be a truly magical ingredient for people of all ages, including those watching their waistline.

“If you hollow out your pumpkin for Halloween and dump the flesh in the bin, you’re throwing away a delicious and filling superfood that can help you lose weight,” she said.

“At Slimming World, pumpkin is a “super-free food” because it’s satisfying for the appetite and low in calories, so it’s great for boosting weight loss if you’re trying to slim – and it’s delicious too.

“Being able to fill up on unlimited amounts of satisfying and healthy foods like fruit and veg – including pumpkins – pasta, rice, potatoes, fish, poultry and lean meat is our favourite trick at Slimming World. And best of all, we still enjoy the odd treat like a toffee apple or Halloween tipple too.”

After you’re carved out your pumpkin lantern, save the flesh and abracadabra up this magical pumpkin recipe for your friends and family.

QUICK PUMPKIN CURRY (VEGETARIAN)

Serves 4

Ready in about 25 minutes

1 onion

1lb 2oz/511g pumpkin

400g can sweetcorn

Low calorie cooking spray

2 tbsp mild curry powder

400g can chopped tomatoes

A small handful of fresh coriander

8 tbsp very low fat natural yogurt

Cooked rice to serve

1. Prepare the ingredients: peel, halve and thinly slice the onion; peel and cut the pumpkin into bite-size chunks; rinse and drain the sweetcorn.

2. Cook the onion in a pan sprayed with low calorie cooking spray for 2-3 minutes. Add the pumpkin, curry powder and tomatoes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.

3. Stir in 2fl oz/57ml water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes or until the pumpkin is just tender. Stir in the sweetcorn, remove from the heat and divide between four serving bowls.

4. Roughly chop the coriander and scatter over. Drizzle with yogurt and serve immediately with boiled rice.