Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of roasted pumpkin, the creamy tang of yogurt, and the crunch of pine nuts. This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall meal or as a side dish to impress your guests. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor!

Why Make This Recipe

Choosing to make this Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce offers many benefits. First, it’s a healthy dish rich in vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The yogurt sauce adds a creamy element without being heavy, while pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for various occasions, from family dinners to festive gatherings.

How to Make Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

• 1.2 kg / 2.4 lb pumpkin (skin on, seeds in weight, or butternut squash or sweet potato)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced using a garlic press
• 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (or other plain, non-sweet yogurt)
• 1/2 small garlic clove, finely minced using a garlic press
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp pine nuts (or other nuts of choice)
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (or parsley)
• 1/8 tsp sumac (or paprika or other theme-appropriate spice)

Directions:

Roasted Pumpkin:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Cut it into slices or cubes.
3. In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and golden.

Lemon Yogurt Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until everything is combined and creamy.

Pine Nuts:

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly until they are golden and fragrant.

Serving:

1. Once the pumpkin is roasted, place it on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the lemon yogurt sauce over the pumpkin.
3. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs on top before serving.

How to Serve Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with grains like quinoa or rice and can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish. Add a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The roasted pumpkin will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the yogurt sauce can be kept for about 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pumpkin gently in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

1. Make sure to cut the pumpkin into even pieces for uniform cooking.
2. Experiment with different herbs and spices in the yogurt sauce to suit your taste.
3. For a sweeter twist, you can add a drizzle of honey over the yogurt sauce.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, try using butternut squash or sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin. You can also swap the pine nuts for walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt to make it vegan.

2. How long does it take to roast pumpkin?
Roasting pumpkin usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 200°C (400°F), but this may vary depending on the size of the pieces.

3. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the lemon yogurt sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Enjoy making and tasting this simple yet delicious Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts!

Roasted Pumpkin with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts

A delightful dish combining roasted pumpkin, creamy lemon yogurt sauce, and crunchy pine nuts, perfect for cozy fall meals or as a side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the roasted pumpkin

• 1.2 kg pumpkin (skin on, seeds in weight, or butternut squash or sweet potato)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced using a garlic press
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper

For the lemon yogurt sauce

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or other plain, non-sweet yogurt)
• 0.5 clove garlic, finely minced using a garlic press
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper

For the topping

• 2 tbsp pine nuts (or other nuts of choice)
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (or parsley)
• ⅛ tsp sumac (or paprika or other theme-appropriate spice)

Instructions

 

Roasted Pumpkin

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Cut it into slices or cubes.
• In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and golden.

Lemon Yogurt Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well until everything is combined and creamy.

Pine Nuts

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly until they are golden and fragrant.

Serving

• Once the pumpkin is roasted, place it on a serving platter.
• Drizzle the lemon yogurt sauce over the pumpkin.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs on top before serving.

Notes

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with grains like quinoa or rice and can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish. Add a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword Fall Recipe, Healthy Dish, Lemon Yogurt Sauce, Pine Nuts, Roasted Pumpkin