Autumn salad with roasted pumpkin

Autumn Salad with Roasted Pumpkin

On a cool autumn day, nothing compares to the warm and comforting aroma of a roasted pumpkin salad. This recipe is not just an explosion of flavors, but also a perfect combination of textures and colors that will delight your senses.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of pumpkin salad is closely tied to the harvest season. Pumpkin has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a versatile ingredient in kitchens around the world. Besides its flavor, pumpkin is rich in nutrients and provides a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Ingredients:
- 400 g pie pumpkin
- 150 g halloumi cheese
- Nut meat from 6 walnuts
- 2 tablespoons seed mix (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, hemp)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons hot pepper jam
- 2 sprigs of hasmatzuki (or arugula, if you can't find hasmatzuki)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pumpkin: Start by washing the pumpkin under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, cut it into thin slices, ensuring they are of uniform thickness for even baking. A helpful tip: if you have difficulty slicing the pumpkin, try roasting it whole for 15-20 minutes; this will soften it slightly, making it easier to slice.

2. Roasting the pumpkin: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the pumpkin slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brushing them with a little olive oil for added flavor. Roast the pumpkin for 45 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized. An interesting idea is to add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.

3. Cooling and cutting the pumpkin: Once you take the pumpkin out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, remove the skin with a sharp knife and cut the pumpkin into cubes.

4. Preparing the cheese: While the pumpkin cools, cut the halloumi cheese into cubes. This will be added to the salad and will provide a creamy texture and savory taste. If desired, you can fry the cheese in a pan for a few minutes until golden.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the roasted pumpkin cubes, halloumi cheese, walnut pieces, and the seed mix. At this point, pour in the olive oil and hot pepper jam, gently mixing to combine the ingredients without crushing them.

6. Finishing the salad: Place the salad on a serving plate. Sprinkle the remaining seeds and nuts on top, and for a special touch, garnish with the hasmatzuki sprigs. These not only add a pop of color but also a note of freshness.

7. Serving: The autumn salad with roasted pumpkin is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it as an appetizer or as a main dish alongside a serving of fresh bread or croutons. It's perfect for a family meal or an outdoor picnic.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicier version, add more hot pepper jam.
- Instead of halloumi cheese, you can use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the salad for a tangy note.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or apple cider.

Nutritional benefits:
Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, contributing to eye and skin health. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and halloumi cheese offers quality protein. The seed mix adds fiber and essential minerals, making this salad a nutritious and filling choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned pumpkin?
While fresh pumpkin has a more intense flavor, you can use canned pumpkin to save time. Just make sure it's unsweetened.

2. How can I store the salad?
This salad keeps well in the fridge, but it's best to consume it on the same day to avoid the ingredients becoming soggy.

3. Are there variations of the recipe?
Of course! You can add sliced apples or pears for a sweet-tart contrast or even a handful of raisins for added sweetness.

This autumn salad with roasted pumpkin is not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to bring varied and healthy flavors to the table. Each bite will be a celebration of the season, and its comforting aroma will transform any meal into a special moment. Try it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!