The Golden Spiced Maple Pumpkin
Looking for a side dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious? This spiced maple pumpkin is about to blow your mind! The combination of sweet maple, warming cinnamon, and tangy tamarind creates the most incredible flavour profile that works perfectly for both everyday meals and special celebrations.
I love creating vegetable dishes that make you actually excited to eat your veggies. This pumpkin is roasted until the edges get gorgeously caramelised, then dressed with a maple-tamarind dressing that's pure magic. The coconut yoghurt and fresh coriander on top? Chef's kiss!
A bit of education about the ingredients in this dish:
Jap (aslo known as Kent) Pumpkin - Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) for immune support and glowing skin, plus loaded with fibre and vitamin C. The natural sweetness intensifies when roasted!
Cinnamon - This warming spice helps regulate blood sugar levels and has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Plus, it makes everything smell amazing!
Maple Syrup - A natural sweetener containing minerals like manganese and zinc. Choose pure maple syrup for maximum benefits.
Tamarind - This tangy fruit paste is rich in antioxidants and supports digestive health. It adds that perfect sweet-sour balance.
Coconut Yoghurt - Dairy-free and gut-friendly, providing probiotics for digestive health and a creamy cooling element.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Heart-healthy fats that help your body absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins from the pumpkin.
Naturally vegan and gluten-free - This dish is perfect for everyone at your table!
You can also use other pumpkin varieties - Try butternut, kent, or queensland blue pumpkin if Jap isn't available!
CLEAN INGREDIENTS (Choose organic when possible)
For the Roasted Pumpkin:
– 60ml extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1.5kg Jap pumpkin, cut into wedges
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Maple & Cinnamon Dressing:
– 1 tablespoon tamarind puree
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Juice of 1/2 lime
– 60ml extra virgin olive oil
Beautiful Toppings:
– Coconut yoghurt
– Fresh lime wedges
– Fresh coriander leaves
– Extra cinnamon for dusting (optional)
METHOD
Preparing the Pumpkin:
Get your oven ready - Preheat to 220°C. Grease and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Spice the pumpkin - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and cinnamon. Season generously with sea salt and pepper. Rub this gorgeous spiced oil all over the pumpkin wedges until completely coated.
Arrange for roasting - Place pumpkin wedges upright on the tray so the skin is in contact with the tray. This helps them roast evenly and get those beautiful caramelised edges!
Roast to perfection - Roast for 40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork and the edges are slightly charred and golden. The natural sugars will caramelise beautifully!
Making the Magical Dressing:
Whisk it together - While pumpkin roasts, combine tamarind puree, maple syrup, soy sauce, cinnamon, and lime juice in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until you have a smooth, glossy dressing.
Serve in style - Arrange roasted pumpkin on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the maple-cinnamon dressing, dollop with coconut yoghurt, scatter fresh coriander leaves, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
PRO TIPS
Cut pumpkin wedges evenly so they cook at the same rate
Don't crowd the tray - give pumpkin space for air to circulate
Make extra dressing - it's amazing on salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls
The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week
For extra flavour, sprinkle with toasted seeds or nuts
Leftovers are delicious cold in salads the next day!
VARIATIONS
Extra spice: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne
Herb twist: Try fresh mint instead of coriander
Nut topping: Scatter with toasted pepitas or almonds
Cheese option: Add crumbled feta if not keeping it vegan
Sweet potato swap: Use sweet potato wedges instead of pumpkin
Asian fusion: Add a splash of sesame oil to the dressing
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Perfect side for roasted meats or grilled fish
Amazing as part of a mezze spread
Wonderful with quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal
Great for entertaining - can be served warm or at room temperature
Pairs beautifully with fresh green salad
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, serves 6)
Energy: 240 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Fibre: 4 g
