Start by preparing the oven. Set it to 200°C with the convection function (or 220°C in top-bottom mode). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Thoroughly wash the pumpkin under running water, using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt from the skin. Dry it with a paper towel.
Description
This dish is the essence of autumn on a plate, combining influences from European and Middle Eastern cuisine. Sweet, creamy roasted hokkaido pumpkin, whose skin becomes perfectly soft and edible after roasting, serves as the base for this composition. The crunchy, intensely spiced chickpeas provide a counterpoint to its delicacy, adding texture and satisfying depth to the dish. The whole is complemented by a velvety, nutty-lemon tahini sauce, which brings a hint of exoticism and balances the sweetness of the pumpkin. The ruby-red pomegranate seeds not only look beautiful but also burst in the mouth with refreshing acidity, while aromatic sage adds an earthy, herbal finish. The dish is visually striking – the combination of orange, red, green, and white creates a true work of art. It can be served as a standalone, hearty vegetarian or vegan dish, but also as an exquisite side to roasted meats, such as chicken or lamb.
Składniki (16)
- Hokkaido pumpkin 1200 g
- Ciecierzyca konserwowa 240 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.3 łyżek
- Fresh sage 1 pęczek
- Pomegranate 1 szt.
- Pasta tahini 60 g
- Lemon juice 30 ml
- Maple syrup 20 ml
- Garlic 1 ząbek
- Water 60 ml
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Papryka wędzona słodka 0.6 łyżeczka
- Ground cumin (cumin) 1 łyżeczka
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Pumpkin seeds 30 g
- Chili flakes 1 szczypta
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Preparation steps
Preparing the pumpkin and chickpeas
Place the pumpkin on a stable cutting board. Using a large, sharp chef's knife, cut the pumpkin in half from the stem to the base. Then, using a large spoon, scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh from both halves. Cut each half lengthwise into slices (called 'moons') about 2-3 cm thick. Remember, we do not peel the skin of hokkaido pumpkin!
Drain the chickpeas from the brine in a strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. Then spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and gently dry by rolling. The drier the chickpeas are, the crunchier they will be after baking. Transfer the dried chickpeas to a bowl.
Baking
In a large bowl, place the chopped pumpkin. Drizzle it with half of the olive oil (about 2 tablespoons), sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated with oil. In the bowl with the chickpeas, add the remaining olive oil (2 tablespoons), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat each grain with the spices.
Spread the seasoned pumpkin and chickpeas on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the ingredients do not overlap too much - if they are too crowded, they will not roast crispy. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip the pieces of pumpkin over using kitchen tongs. Tear the sage leaves from the stems and scatter them on the baking sheet between the pumpkin. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender (check by inserting a fork) and beautifully browned, and the chickpeas are crispy.
Preparing tahini sauce
Meanwhile, while the pumpkin is roasting, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine tahini paste, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, and a clove of garlic pressed through a garlic press or very finely chopped. Start mixing everything with a small whisk or fork. At first, the mixture will become very thick and lumpy - this is a normal reaction.
Without stopping to stir, begin to add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. After each added tablespoon, mix vigorously until the water is completely combined with the paste. Continue adding water until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, resembling thin mayonnaise or thick cream. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and possibly pepper. Taste and add more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Dish composition
When the pumpkin and chickpeas are roasted, take the tray out of the oven. In the meantime, prepare the pomegranate seeds. Cut the fruit in half, and then, holding the half skin-side up over a large bowl, hit it with the back of a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall out into the bowl on their own.
On a large platter or on individual plates, arrange warm pieces of roasted pumpkin. Drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce. Then sprinkle everything with crispy chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, and crunchy sage leaves straight from the baking tray. If you are using optional ingredients, top the dish with toasted pumpkin seeds and chili flakes for extra heat. Serve immediately while the pumpkin and chickpeas are warm.
Fun Fact
Hokkaido pumpkin, although associated with Japan (the name comes from a Japanese island), was developed from the American 'Hubbard' pumpkin variety. The Japanese refined it, creating a smaller, tastier version with a distinctive, edible skin.
Best for
Tips
The dish looks best on a large, flat platter in a 'family style', where everyone can serve themselves. It can be enhanced by serving it on a bed of arugula or with the addition of cooked quinoa. Before serving, you can drizzle the whole dish with a bit of good quality olive oil.
It is best to store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tahini sauce will thicken - before reusing, it should be mixed with a little water. The chickpeas will lose their crunch, but it can be regained by heating them for a few minutes in the oven (180°C) or in a dry pan.
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