Which vegetable was used in the past instead of pumpkin?

Historically, several vegetables were used in place of pumpkin, depending on the region and time period. Some common substitutes include:

* Squash: Various types of squash, such as butternut squash, acorn squash, and Hubbard squash, were often used interchangeably with pumpkin in recipes.

* Gourds: Large, hard-shelled gourds, particularly those with a sweet flesh, were sometimes used as a pumpkin substitute.

* Turnips: In some areas, turnips were used in similar ways to pumpkin, especially for savory dishes.

* Apples: Apples were used in pies and other sweet dishes, particularly in regions where pumpkins weren't readily available.

The specific vegetable used as a substitute often depended on local availability and culinary traditions.

It's important to note that the term "pumpkin" itself wasn't always used consistently. In some regions, what we now call pumpkin was referred to by other names, like "pumpion" or "pompion." This can make it challenging to pin down exactly what vegetable was used in older recipes.