Imagine a dish that captures the very essence of fall in every single bite - where sweet, caramelized pumpkin meets the tangy burst of cranberries and the rich, nutty crunch of toasted pecans. This isn't just a recipe; it's a sensory journey that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Prepare to elevate your autumn dining experience with this incredibly easy yet impressively delicious roasted pumpkin creation that promises warmth, flavor, and pure seasonal comfort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin, cubed
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash and carefully cube the fresh pumpkin into roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking. Remove any seeds and tough skin.
- Place the pumpkin cubes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the pumpkin cubes, gently tossing to distribute the seasonings thoroughly.
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Roast the pumpkin in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
- During the last 5-7 minutes of roasting, add chopped pecans and dried cranberries to the baking sheet to lightly toast them.
- Remove from oven when pumpkin is tender and slightly golden, with pecans lightly toasted and cranberries slightly plumped.
- Let the roasted mixture cool for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and prevent burning.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select a firm, bright orange pumpkin with no soft spots for the best roasting results.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all pumpkin cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and perfect caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread ingredients in a single layer to allow proper roasting and prevent steaming.
- Timing is Key: Add pecans and cranberries later in the roasting process to prevent burning and achieve perfect toasting.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with cinnamon, salt, and pepper - they're crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
- Let It Rest: Allow the roasted mixture to cool for a few minutes to let flavors meld and prevent burning your mouth.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
