Description
This Maple Roasted Pumpkin recipe combines tender, caramelized pumpkin pieces with sweet maple syrup and crunchy walnuts, enhanced by bold spices and creamy Danish feta cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a light vegetarian meal, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Nuts
- 2 lb (1 kg) pumpkin, preferably small sugar or pie pumpkin for best flavor
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup (about 50g) walnuts
Oils & Sweeteners
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, good quality extra virgin
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
Dairy & Herbs
- 3/4 cup (about 110g) Danish feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings
- 3/4 tsp (approx. 4.5g) kosher salt or cooking salt
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
- 1 large red chili (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan-forced). Ensure it is fully preheated before roasting to guarantee even cooking and caramelization.
- Arrange Ingredients Thoughtfully: Place pumpkin pieces, red onion (cut into wedges), and walnuts on the lined baking tray. Spread them out evenly to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Coat and Season Well: Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup evenly over the pumpkin, onion, and walnuts. Toss thoroughly using your hands for even coating. Sprinkle with chili flakes and salt, tossing again to distribute the seasonings well. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on the tray.
- Roast to Tender Perfection: Roast for 30 minutes total. At the 20-minute mark, toss the mixture to promote even browning and crispness. Roast until the pumpkin pieces are tender (fork slides in easily) and lightly browned for caramelized edges.
- Present with Flavor: Remove from oven and gently toss the roasted pumpkin mixture again to coat with the cooking juices. Transfer to a serving platter in a single layer for an attractive presentation.
- Garnish for Extra Appeal: Crumble the Danish feta evenly over the roasted pumpkin. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional slices of the large red chili for color and added flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To ensure even roasting, avoid overcrowding the baking tray to prevent steaming.
- Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes and fresh chili to match your preferred spice level.
- Small sugar or pie pumpkins are preferred due to their naturally sweet and dense flesh ideal for roasting.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and fresh garnishes.
