Baked pumpkin with honey and nuts is a delightful, sweet side dish or dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of pumpkin with a touch of honey and the crunch of nuts. It's easy to prepare and perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy treat. Here's a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:
Baked Pumpkin with Honey and Nuts
Ingredients:
- 1 small to medium pumpkin (such as Sugar Pie or Hokkaido)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a different sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and stringy insides. If you prefer, you can peel the pumpkin, but this is optional. Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
-
Season the Pumpkin:
- In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin chunks with olive oil or melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
-
Arrange and Bake:
- Spread the seasoned pumpkin chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and caramelized, turning once halfway through.
-
Add Nuts:
- About 5 minutes before the pumpkin is done baking, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top to toast them lightly.
-
Optional Additions:
- If using dried cranberries or raisins, sprinkle them over the pumpkin during the last 5 minutes of baking.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The pumpkin should be tender with a caramelized exterior and crunchy nuts on top.
This baked pumpkin with honey and nuts makes a fantastic side dish, a light dessert, or even a sweet snack. The combination of honey and spices complements the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch. Enjoy!
