Golden Maple Pumpkin with Nutty Crunch & Mint Recipe

Roasting pumpkin with maple syrup brings out an irresistible caramelized depth that transforms ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

The sweet maple glaze perfectly complements the earthy pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender pumpkin pieces.

Fresh mint leaves provide a bright, aromatic finish that lifts the entire dish.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through seasonal ingredients and bold textures.

Seasonal cooking doesn’t get more satisfying than this elegant side that will steal the spotlight at any autumn gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this spectacular seasonal creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 5

Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint Ingredient List

• Pumpkin: A sweet, hearty vegetable that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, choosing a fresh, firm squash with deep orange color ensures the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a silky, even roasting surface and adds a subtle richness to the pumpkin's natural sweetness.

• Maple Syrup: Brings a deep, woodsy sweetness that transforms the pumpkin's natural taste, opt for pure Canadian maple syrup for the most authentic flavor.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly sweet undertone that complements the pumpkin's earthiness.
• Ginger Powder: Introduces a zingy, aromatic warmth that brightens the entire dish.
• Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty depth that harmonizes with the other spices.
• Black Pepper: Offers a gentle heat and complexity to balance the sweet elements.
• Salt: Enhances and amplifies all the other flavors in the dish.

• Hazelnuts: Deliver a satisfying crunch and nutty richness, selecting fresh, recently roasted nuts ensures maximum flavor.
• Fresh Mint: Introduces a bright, cooling contrast to the roasted pumpkin's warmth.
• Lemon Zest: Provides a citrusy lift that cuts through the dish's richness and adds a vibrant freshness.

Cooking Tools For Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint

• Large Knife: Essential for precise pumpkin cutting and handling.
• Baking Tray: Perfect for roasting pumpkin wedges evenly in the oven.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like maple syrup and spices.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing pumpkin and chopping herbs.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing and coating pumpkin with seasonings.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking tray.

Making Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint At Home

• Pumpkin Preparation

Slice the pumpkin carefully with a sharp knife, removing top and bottom. Split lengthwise and discard inner seeds. Cut into elegant wedges.

• Flavor Infusion

Arrange pumpkin wedges on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with sweet maple syrup and golden olive oil. Sprinkle warm spices like paprika, ginger, and nutmeg across the surface. Season with a delicate touch of salt and black pepper. Massage seasonings into pumpkin using fingertips.

• Roasting

Place pumpkin in a hot oven set to 210ºC. Bake until edges turn golden brown and flesh becomes wonderfully tender, approximately 30 minutes.

• Garnish and Presentation

Allow pumpkin to rest briefly after roasting. Scatter crunchy crushed hazelnuts across the surface. Sprinkle fresh mint leaves and bright lemon zest for a vibrant finish.

• Serving Suggestion

Serve immediately while warm as a stunning side dish or elegant appetizer. Enjoy the complex layers of sweet, spicy, and herbal flavors.

Creative Enhancements For Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint

• Swap pumpkin for butternut, acorn, or kabocha squash to explore unique textures and subtle flavor variations.
• Replace hazelnuts with toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different nutty profile and added nutritional variety.
• Experiment with additional warming spices like cinnamon, allspice, or cardamom to create a more complex and aromatic seasoning mix.
• Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and ensure maple syrup is pure to keep the recipe completely plant-based and allergen-friendly.
• Serve over quinoa, couscous, or mixed greens and top with crumbled feta or goat cheese to elevate this side dish into a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Plating Ideas For Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or pan-seared salmon to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the sweet and savory flavors of the roasted pumpkin.
• Create a Festive Feast Plate: Arrange the maple roasted pumpkin wedges on a rustic wooden board with other seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts and carrots for a stunning autumn-inspired presentation that will impress dinner guests.
• Elevate as a Vegetarian Main: Transform this recipe into a hearty vegetarian main course by adding quinoa or couscous underneath the pumpkin wedges, creating a nutritious and filling dish that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack the cooled pumpkin wedges in a lunch container with mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra olive oil for a delicious portable meal that tastes great at room temperature.

How To Store Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover roasted pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the delicious flavors intact.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the pumpkin wedges in the oven at 180ºC (350ºF) for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy edges and caramelized texture.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled pumpkin wedges in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick and tasty meal prep option.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop hazelnuts and mint in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the dish.

Caramelized Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Maple roasted pumpkin with hazelnuts and mint brings autumnal warmth to seasonal gatherings. Crisp hazelnut edges and fresh mint create a harmonious balance of earthy flavors you’ll crave during cooler months.

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Ingredients

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• 850 g (30 oz) pumpkin (Long Island Cheese or preferred variety)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) hazelnuts, toasted
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Zest of ½ lemon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice pumpkin vertically, creating a stable base, and remove seeds and stringy pulp. Cut into uniform wedges approximately 1-1.5 inches thick for consistent roasting.
2. Seasoning: Arrange pumpkin wedges on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with maple syrup and olive oil, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle sweet paprika, ground ginger, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Massage seasonings into the pumpkin thoroughly.
3. Roasting: Place baking sheet in a preheated oven at 210 degrees Celsius (410 degrees Fahrenheit) using fan-assisted setting. Roast for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through to promote even caramelization. Remove when edges are golden brown and flesh is tender.
4. Finishing: Let pumpkin cool for 5-7 minutes to set caramelized edges. Coarsely crush hazelnuts using a rolling pin or chef’s knife. Scatter hazelnuts over warm pumpkin wedges. Finely chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle across the dish. Grate fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy finish.
5. Serving: Plate immediately while warm as an elegant side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Create a stable base by removing pumpkin ends before cutting to prevent slipping and ensure uniform pieces.
• Coat Completely: Massage seasonings thoroughly into pumpkin wedges for maximum flavor penetration and even caramelization.
• Roast Carefully: Use fan-assisted setting and rotate tray midway to achieve golden edges and tender flesh without burning.
• Garnish Generously: Add crushed hazelnuts and fresh mint just before serving to maintain crunch and vibrant herb flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg