Introduction
This delightful roasted pumpkin dish, featuring the richness of walnuts and the sweetness of maple syrup or honey, is a beautiful way to highlight the flavors of autumn. The addition of red onion adds a touch of savory depth while the optional garnishes of feta, red chili, and parsley contribute to a burst of flavor and freshness. Perfect for a side dish or a light main, this recipe is simple yet satisfying.
Ingredients
2 lb / 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 red onion, peeled, halved, and cut into 0.4-inch wedges
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons dried chili flakes, adjusted to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
3/4 cup Danish feta or Greek feta, crumbled
1 large red chili (cayenne pepper), deseeded and finely minced
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
This roasted pumpkin dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an irresistible addition to your meal repertoire. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that bring warmth to your table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Tray
On a large, paper-lined baking tray, combine the pumpkin cubes, red onion wedges, and chopped walnuts.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and maple syrup. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the dried chili flakes and kosher salt over the mixture. Toss again to distribute the seasoning and then spread the mixture out on the tray, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded.
Step 5: Roast the Vegetables
Roast the tray in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Toss the mixture once at the 20-minute mark. The pumpkin should be lightly browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Coat with Juices
Remove the baking tray from the oven and gently toss the roasted mixture to coat it with the juices in the tray.
Step 7: Transfer to Serving Dish
Transfer the roasted mixture to a serving platter in a single layer for a neat presentation, or pile it into a bowl for a more rustic look.
Step 8: Add Garnishes
Crumble the feta over the top of the roasted mixture. Sprinkle with the finely minced red chili and chopped parsley.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
Serve the dish immediately while it is warm.
Notes
Note 1: Pumpkin Selection
Choose a pumpkin that is firm and heavy for its size to ensure good flavor and texture.
Note 2: Adjusting Heat
The amount of dried chili flakes can be adjusted to suit your personal spice preference.
Note 3: Feta Variations
Both Danish feta and Greek feta work well, but adjust the amount depending on your taste for saltiness.
Note 4: Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the texture may change upon reheating.
Cook techniques
Roasting
Roasting is a cooking method that involves cooking food evenly in an oven. In this recipe, pumpkin and red onion are roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a caramelized texture.
Chopping
Chopping involves cutting food into smaller pieces. For this dish, pumpkin, red onion, and walnuts are roughly chopped to ensure even cooking and texture.
Tossing
Tossing is the act of mixing ingredients gently to combine them without breaking them apart. In this recipe, tossing helps distribute the olive oil, maple syrup, and seasonings evenly over the vegetables and nuts.
Layering
Layering refers to the arrangement of ingredients in a dish. For presentation, the roasted mixture can be layered on a platter or piled in a bowl to show off its colors and textures.
Crumbling
Crumbling involves breaking food into smaller pieces. In this recipe, feta cheese is crumbled over the roasted vegetables to add a creamy and salty contrast.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of squash instead of pumpkin?
Yes, you can substitute pumpkin with other types of squash such as butternut or acorn squash, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the squash used.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply decrease or increase the amount of dried chili flakes used. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance but it’s best to roast them just before serving to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor.
What can I serve this dish with?
This roasted pumpkin and walnut mixture pairs well with grains like quinoa or rice, or can be served as a side dish with roasted meats or as part of a salad.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
This roasted pumpkin dish with walnuts, red onion, and a hint of spice is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin, balanced by the crunch of walnuts and the heat from chili flakes, creates a satisfying side or a vegetarian main. The optional garnishes of feta, fresh chili, and parsley elevate the dish, providing a burst of flavor and color that enhances presentation. Enjoy it warm for a comforting meal or at room temperature for a refreshing salad.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Replace the pumpkin with cauliflower florets, and follow the same recipe for a spicy, crunchy alternative.
Butternut Squash and Apple Salad
Add diced apples to the roasted pumpkin mix for a sweet and tangy twist, perfect for a fall-themed salad.
Quinoa and Pumpkin Bowl
Serve the roasted pumpkin over cooked quinoa, topped with avocado and seeds for a wholesome and filling dish.
Mixed Vegetable Medley
Include other root vegetables like carrots and beets alongside pumpkin for a vibrant, colorful roasted medley.
Chili Pumpkin Soup
Blend the roasted pumpkin with vegetable broth to create a creamy soup, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and fresh herbs.
Stuffed Pumpkin Tacos
Use the roasted pumpkin mixture as a filling for tacos, adding black beans, corn, and avocado for a hearty meal.
Roasted Veggie Pizza
Top a pizza crust with the roasted pumpkin and red onion mixture, adding mozzarella and baking until bubbly for a unique pizza twist.
