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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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