Pumpkin appetizer cake

Pumpkin appetizer cake - a delicious recipe to celebrate autumn!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Pumpkin is the star of autumn, and this pumpkin appetizer cake recipe is a great way to take advantage of its unique flavor and texture. Inspired by a magazine, this recipe has been adapted with available ingredients and is perfect for serving at a festive meal or as a delicious snack.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium pumpkin (about 500g)
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 4 eggs
- 100g smoked cheese (for an intense flavor)
- 100g white flour
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or olive oil, for a special taste)
- 200g sour cream (ideal for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10g)
- A bunch of fresh dill (or dried if you don’t have any)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing the potatoes and carrot. Boil them in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft, but do not let them crumble. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture in the cake.

2. Preparing the pumpkin: Meanwhile, peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds, then cut it into thin sticks. This will help it cook evenly and add a touch of sweetness to the cake.

3. Chopping the vegetables: Once the potatoes and carrot are boiled, drain the water and let them cool slightly. Then, chop them into small cubes. In a large bowl, add the boiled vegetable cubes and pumpkin sticks.

4. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, beat the eggs with 3/4 of the grated cheese. Add the sour cream, oil, finely chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the cake.

5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the egg mixture. Mix well until you obtain a smooth batter. Then, add the vegetable mixture and combine everything with a spatula. When doing this step, make sure the vegetables are well coated with the batter.

6. Preparing the baking dish: Take a heat-resistant dish and grease it with oil, then dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This trick is essential for achieving a perfect cake that will easily come out after baking.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the surface. Grate the remaining cheese on top for a golden and delicious crust. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then remove it from the dish and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. You can serve the cake as an appetizer, alongside a fresh salad, or as a main dish accompanied by grilled vegetables.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the smoked cheese with feta cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add spices such as cumin or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
- If you have roasted pumpkin, you can also use that, which will add natural sweetness.

Nutritional benefits:
This pumpkin appetizer cake is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, essential for eye health. Additionally, potatoes and carrots provide complex carbohydrates, which will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or red bell pepper to diversify the taste and texture of the cake.
- How can I store the cake? It can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Delicious combinations:
This appetizer cake pairs perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or a crunchy green salad. Also, a bottle of white wine or a fresh citrus-based cocktail would ideally complete the meal.

Enjoy every slice of this pumpkin appetizer cake, a recipe that brings a touch of warmth and comfort in every bite! Bon appétit!