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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 220°C/430°F with rack positioned in the middle. Line baking tray with parchment paper for optimal roasting conditions.
- Pumpkin Transformation: Carefully remove pumpkin skin and seeds, then slice into uniform 3cm cubes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Seasoning Process: In a large mixing bowl, coat pumpkin pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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