Description
Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Chili and Feta is a vibrant, sweet, and spicy dish perfect as a side or light meal. Tender roasted pumpkin cubes are caramelized with maple syrup and olive oil, contrasted by the heat of chili flakes and fresh chilli, crunchy walnuts, and tangy Danish feta. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of flavors and textures in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb / 1 kg pumpkin, peeled, cut into 2.5cm (1") cubes (whole, unpeeled weight)
- 1 red onion, peeled, halved, then cut into 1cm (0.4") wedges
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup (or honey; can substitute brown sugar)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 1 to 1 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes, adjusted to taste
- 3/4 cup Danish feta (or Greek feta, or goat cheese)
- 1 large red chilli (cayenne pepper), deseeded, finely minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan-forced, preparing it for roasting the pumpkin mixture to perfection.
- Toss the Ingredients: On a large tray lined with paper, combine the cubed pumpkin, onion wedges, and roughly chopped walnuts. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil and maple syrup. Use your hands to toss everything thoroughly ensuring the pumpkin and onions are coated well. Sprinkle the dried chili flakes and cooking salt over, then toss once more. Spread the mixture out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve even roasting instead of steaming.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for a total of 30 minutes. Halfway through (at the 20-minute mark), toss the ingredients gently to ensure even cooking and browning. The pumpkin should turn slightly golden and be tender when done.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and gently toss everything one more time to mix the flavors. Transfer the roasted pumpkin, onions, and walnuts to a serving platter in a single layer. Crumble the Danish feta across the top, then sprinkle with finely minced red chilli and chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Note 1: The pumpkin weight is given peeled and cubed; if weighing whole pumpkin, adjust accordingly.
- Note 2: Walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor; you can toast them lightly for extra depth.
- Note 3: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness; honey or brown sugar can be used as substitutes.
- Note 4: Adjust chili flakes to suit your preferred level of heat and spice tolerance.