Preheat the oven to 200°C with the convection function (or 220°C top-bottom). Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin. Wash it thoroughly under running water and dry it with a paper towel. Place the pumpkin on a stable cutting board and using a large, sharp knife, cut it in half. Be careful, the skin is tough, so make the cut with a firm, controlled motion. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh from both halves. Then, cut the pumpkin halves into cubes about 2-3 cm on each side. Do not peel the skin – in hokkaido pumpkin, it becomes soft and edible after baking.
Description
This salad is the essence of autumn on a plate, combining the richness of seasonal flavors and colors. Sweet, caramelized roasted hokkaido pumpkin pairs perfectly with juicy, refreshing pear. The bold, salty flavor of blue cheese cuts through the sweetness, while crunchy, lightly toasted walnuts add wonderful texture. The whole dish is brought together by a velvety vinaigrette made with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard, which perfectly balances all the flavors. The salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning – its warm, autumnal colors make it a centerpiece on any table. It is perfect as a light yet filling lunch, an elegant appetizer at a gathering, or a gourmet side dish to a main course, such as roasted meat.
Składniki (13)
- Hokkaido pumpkin 400 g
- Mieszanka sałat z rukolą i roszponką 150 g
- Conference pear 2 szt.
- Blue cheese (e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola) 100 g
- Shelled walnuts 50 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.3 łyżek
- Liquid honey (e.g. wildflower) 0.9 łyżka
- Dijon mustard 10 g
- Lemon juice 15 ml
- Sea salt 2 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Sweet paprika powder 1 łyżeczka
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 1 szczypta
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Pestki granatu 30 g
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Roasting pumpkin
Transfer the chopped pumpkin to a large bowl. Add one tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, one large pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and a teaspoon of sweet paprika. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands, ensuring each piece of pumpkin is evenly coated with oil and spices. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pumpkin in a single layer on it, making sure the pieces do not overlap. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The pumpkin is ready when a fork easily pierces it, and its edges are slightly browned and caramelized. After baking, remove the sheet and let the pumpkin cool slightly.
Preparation of vinaigrette sauce
While the pumpkin is baking, prepare the sauce. Find a small jar with a lid. Pour the remaining 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil into the jar, add one tablespoon (15 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one tablespoon of liquid honey, and two teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Tightly close the jar. Then, holding it securely, shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds. You will see how the oil, honey, and mustard combine to create a smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened dressing. This process is called emulsifying. Taste the dressing and adjust with additional salt, pepper, honey (if you prefer it sweeter), or lemon juice (if you prefer it more sour) as needed. Set the finished dressing aside.
Salad composition
Prepare the remaining ingredients. Transfer the salad mix to a large, wide bowl or platter. Wash the pears, dry them, cut them into quarters, and use a small knife to remove the cores. Slice each quarter into thin slices about 3-4 mm thick. Crumble the blue cheese into smaller, irregular pieces with your fingers. Coarsely chop the walnuts on a cutting board or break them into smaller pieces with your hands.
Start assembling the salad. On a base of mixed greens, evenly distribute the pear slices and the cooled pieces of roasted pumpkin. Then sprinkle everything with crumbled blue cheese and pieces of walnuts. Try to arrange the ingredients so that each part of the salad contains all of them.
Just before serving, shake the jar of dressing again to ensure it is well mixed. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, trying to spread it across the entire surface. If you are using the optional ingredient, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of the salad, which will add a beautiful ruby color and juicy texture. Serve immediately.
Fun Fact
Hokkaido pumpkin, unlike most other varieties, arrived in Europe from Japan, not from America. Its name comes from the Japanese island of Hokkaido, where it was cultivated from the American variety 'Hubbard Squash' in the late 19th century. Its great advantage is its edible skin.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad immediately after drizzling with the dressing to keep the lettuce leaves crispy. It looks best on a large, flat platter that showcases all the colorful ingredients. It can be served as a standalone dish with sourdough croutons or as a side to roasted chicken, duck, or turkey.
The salad mixed with the dressing is not suitable for storage. If you want to prepare it in advance, store all the ingredients (except for the pear, which should be cut fresh) and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine them just before serving.
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