Cozy Roasted Pumpkin with Zesty Lemon Yogurt & Pine Nuts Recipe

Autumn’s golden embrace brings a delightful roasted pumpkin with lemon yogurt sauce and pine nuts that transforms ordinary dinner into a culinary celebration.

Tender pumpkin slices caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing rich, deep flavors.

The tangy lemon yogurt sauce adds a bright, creamy contrast to the sweet, earthy vegetables.

Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top introduce a delicate crunch and nutty complexity.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Dig into this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

• Pumpkin: Hearty vegetable that transforms into tender, caramelized goodness with deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides silky coating and helps achieve golden, crispy exterior for maximum roasting success.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and subtle pungent notes that elevate the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps draw out moisture for perfect roasting texture.
• Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and complexity to complement the pumpkin's mellow taste.

• Greek Yogurt, Plain Yogurt: Creates luxurious, tangy base with creamy consistency that balances roasted vegetables.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, zesty undertones that cut through yogurt's richness.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy acidity that awakens all flavor dimensions.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooths sauce texture and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasoning agents that harmonize sauce's overall flavor profile.

• Pine Nuts, Nuts: Provide delightful crunch and nutty complexity to contrast soft roasted pumpkin.
• Fresh Coriander, Parsley: Adds vibrant freshness and herbaceous green notes.
• Sumac, Paprika: Optional spice sprinkle that introduces unexpected tangy or smoky accent.

Tools to Roast Pumpkin and Assemble the Lemon Yogurt Sauce Dish

• Baking Tray: Large, lined with parchment paper for roasting pumpkin evenly.
• Large Bowl: For tossing pumpkin with seasonings before roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for peeling and cutting pumpkin into cubes.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing lemon yogurt sauce ingredients.
• Skillet: Perfect for toasting pine nuts over medium-high heat.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing pumpkin.
• Serving Plate: For beautifully presenting the roasted pumpkin dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and turning pumpkin pieces while roasting.

How to Make Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

Roasted Pumpkin Magic

• Pumpkin Preparation Kitchen Setup

Create a cozy cooking space with clean workspace, sharp knife, and baking tray. Gather fresh pumpkin, aromatic spices, and kitchen essentials for a delightful culinary adventure.

• Veggie Transformation

Slice pumpkin into beautiful, uniform cubes that showcase natural golden edges. Massage olive oil and seasonings into pumpkin pieces, ensuring each chunk glistens with flavor potential.

• Oven Roasting Technique

Spread pumpkin chunks on baking tray, allowing each piece breathing room. Roast at high temperature until edges caramelize and centers become tender, creating irresistible golden-brown surfaces.

• Creamy Yogurt Companion

Whisk Greek yogurt with zesty lemon, creating a tangy sauce that complements the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness. Let flavors mingle and develop while pumpkin roasts.

• Nutty Crunch Finale

Quickly toast pine nuts in dry skillet, releasing their rich, buttery aroma. Watch carefully to prevent burning, creating a delicate golden exterior.

• Elegant Plating

Artfully arrange roasted pumpkin on beautiful serving plate. Drizzle yogurt sauce, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, and garnish with fresh herbs. Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors.

Flavor Twists for Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt and Pine Nuts

• Roasting Secrets: Slice pumpkin pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization.
• Yogurt Sauce Magic: Allow sauce to rest for enhanced flavor development, letting garlic and lemon infuse beautifully.
• Nut Toasting Technique: Watch pine nuts closely while toasting – they can burn quickly due to high oil content.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for extra depth in roasted pumpkin seasoning.
• Temperature Flexibility: This dish tastes delightful served hot, warm, or at room temperature, making it perfect for casual gatherings or meal prep.

Ideas for Presenting Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

• Rustic Dinner Centerpiece: Create a stunning main dish by arranging the roasted pumpkin on a large wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs and extra toasted pine nuts for a gorgeous family-style presentation.
• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Serve alongside warm pita bread, hummus, and a crisp Mediterranean salad to transform this dish into a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates vibrant Middle Eastern flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or chickpeas to turn this roasted pumpkin into a more substantial protein-packed lunch or dinner option that keeps you full and energized.
• Seasonal Brunch Star: Pair with a poached egg on top and serve as a unique weekend brunch dish that brings warmth and unexpected elegance to your morning meal, perfect for impressing guests.

Storage Tips for Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt and Pine Nuts

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Cooling Comfort: Transfer roasted pumpkin to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate yogurt sauce in another sealed container to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Roasted pumpkin cubes freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Place cooled pieces on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for easy portioning.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Store lemon yogurt sauce separately to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and zesty taste.
• Nut Preservation Hack: Toast pine nuts in small batches and store in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp and delicious for about 1-2 weeks, ready to sprinkle on your dish anytime.

Zesty Roasted Pumpkin

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Roasted pumpkin with lemon yogurt sauce and pine nuts offers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey through seasonal ingredients. Golden-edged pumpkin slices paired with tangy yogurt and crunchy pine nuts provide a delightful balance for seasonal dining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.2 kg (2.4 lb) pumpkin (or butternut squash or sweet potato)
• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or plain, non-sweet yogurt)
• 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsps pine nuts (or other nuts of choice)
• 2 tbsps fresh coriander or parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/8 tsp sumac (or paprika, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 220°C/430°F with rack positioned in the middle. Line baking tray with parchment paper for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Pumpkin Transformation: Carefully remove pumpkin skin and seeds, then slice into uniform 3cm cubes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
3. Seasoning Process: In a large mixing bowl, coat pumpkin pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
4. Roasting Stage: Spread seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on prepared tray, allowing each piece space for perfect caramelization. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip pieces to promote uniform browning. Continue roasting for additional 7-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Nut Preparation: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until light golden and fragrant. Remove immediately to prevent burning.
7. Plating and Finishing: Arrange roasted pumpkin on serving dish, drizzle with lemon yogurt sauce, and add optional olive oil shimmer. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, freshly chopped coriander, and a light sprinkle of sumac or paprika for enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Serving: Offer the dish hot, warm, or at room temperature, providing flexibility for individual preferences.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Temperature: Set rack in middle to ensure even, golden-brown roasting without burning delicate pumpkin edges.
• Cube Consistency Matters: Cut pumpkin into uniform 3cm pieces for equal cooking time and perfectly caramelized surfaces.
• Seasoning Technique: Massage oil and spices directly onto pumpkin to guarantee deep flavor penetration and maximum taste absorption.
• Pine Nut Precision: Toast carefully and watch closely, as nuts can burn quickly; remove from heat the moment they turn light golden and release nutty aroma.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg