Quick & Cozy Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint Recipe

Maple roasted pumpkin reimagines ordinary vegetables into a sublime culinary experience that awakens every taste bud.

Sweet maple syrup caramelizes delicate pumpkin edges with golden-brown sophistication and unexpected depth.

Nature’s most comforting autumn ingredient becomes an elegant side dish through careful preparation and strategic seasoning.

Nutty hazelnuts add magnificent crunch and textural complexity to this seemingly simple recipe.

Bright mint leaves provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through rich sweetness with vibrant green notes.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and gourmet refinement.

Sensory magic happens when carefully selected components merge into something greater than their individual parts.

Why Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint Is So Irresistible

• Caramelize Flavor Explosion: The combination of maple syrup, spices, and roasting technique creates a mouthwatering sweet-savory profile that transforms ordinary pumpkin into a gourmet experience.
• Texture Triumph: Crispy caramelized edges meet tender, soft pumpkin interior, while crunchy hazelnuts add a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite exciting.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet: With just 30 minutes of roasting time and simple preparation steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that even novice cooks can master effortlessly.

What You Need for Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint

• Pumpkin: Sweet, hearty vegetable with beautiful golden color when roasted, choose firm and heavy with no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy edges and even roasting, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully, select pure maple syrup for authentic taste.

• Sweet Paprika: Adds warm, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color, use fresh ground for best results.
• Ginger Powder: Provides subtle warmth and depth, choose high-quality ground ginger.
• Nutmeg: Brings warm, aromatic notes, fresh grated is more potent than pre-ground.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity, freshly ground offers best flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt.

• Hazelnuts: Adds crunch and nutty richness, toast before crushing for deeper flavor.
• Fresh Mint: Provides bright, fresh herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves.
• Lemon Zest: Offers citrusy brightness and aroma, use fresh, unwaxed lemons.

Step-by-Step to Make Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 210ºC (410ºF) using the fan-assisted setting. Grab a baking tray and set it aside.

Step 2: Slice and Clean the Pumpkin

Grab a sturdy knife and chop off the top and bottom of the pumpkin. Slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into tasty wedges.

Step 3: Season the Pumpkin Wedges

• Maple syrup
• Olive oil
• Sweet paprika
• Ginger powder
• Nutmeg
• Black pepper
• Salt

Use your hands to massage the seasonings, ensuring every inch of the pumpkin is deliciously covered.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake for 30 minutes. Watch for tender, caramelized edges that promise incredible flavor.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Toppings

• Roughly crushed hazelnuts
• Chopped fresh mint
• Bright lemon zest

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Bring this vibrant dish to the table warm. Perfect as a stunning side or appetizer that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Savory in This Pumpkin Dish

• Slice Precisely: Cut pumpkin wedges of similar size to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
• Massage Seasonings: Use hands to thoroughly coat pumpkin wedges, guaranteeing each piece absorbs maximum flavor from maple and spices.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking pumpkin tenderness around 25 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect caramelized texture.
• Toast Hazelnuts Separately: Lightly toast hazelnuts in a dry pan beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch before sprinkling.
• Adjust Spice Balance: Experiment with spice quantities, starting conservatively and tasting to find your ideal sweet-savory blend.

Reheat Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pumpkin wedges to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheat: Warm the pumpkin in a preheated oven at 180ºC (350ºF) for 10-15 minutes. Spread wedges on a baking sheet to help restore crispy edges and prevent soggy texture.
• Refresh: Before serving, sprinkle fresh hazelnuts and mint to revive the original crunch and herbal brightness. The quick re-topping will make leftovers taste just as delicious as the first serving.

Best Flavor Partners for Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweet maple and spicy notes of the roasted pumpkin, cutting through its richness with bright acidity.
• Match with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled lamb to balance the pumpkin's sweetness and add protein depth to the meal.
• Complement with Creamy Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the roasted pumpkin to create a delightful contrast between the sweet maple glaze and the cheese's sharp flavor.
• Enhance with Nutty Quinoa Salad: Create a complete side dish by pairing the roasted pumpkin with a light quinoa salad that echoes the hazelnut crunch and adds a protein-rich element to the plate.

Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts and Mint Gets a Twist

• Spicy Maple Chili Pumpkin: Swap sweet paprika with smoked chipotle powder and add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro instead of mint for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Roasted Pumpkin: Replace ginger with fresh rosemary and thyme. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese after roasting for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Nutty Autumn Pumpkin: Mix ground almonds with hazelnuts for topping. Incorporate cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg into the maple glaze. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for bursts of bright color and tangy sweetness.
• Savory Garlic Pumpkin Roast: Add minced garlic and dried oregano to the seasoning mix. Replace maple syrup with balsamic vinegar for a more robust, savory profile. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

Maple Roasted Pumpkin With Hazelnuts And Mint Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple roasted pumpkin showcases autumn’s warmth with caramelized edges and nutty crunch. Hazelnut sprinkles and fresh mint elevate this simple side dish, promising a delightful sensory experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 850 g (30 oz) pumpkin (Long Island Cheese or preferred variety)
• ¼ cup hazelnuts, toasted
• 10 fresh mint leaves

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Touches:

• Salt, to taste
• Zest of half a lemon

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice the pumpkin vertically, removing the top and bottom ends to create a stable base for cutting.
2. Split the pumpkin in half lengthwise, using a sturdy spoon to remove and discard the seeds and stringy pulp.
3. Cut each pumpkin half into uniform wedges approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 centimeters) thick to ensure even roasting.
4. Arrange the pumpkin wedges on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
5. Drizzle maple syrup and olive oil evenly over the pumpkin wedges, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Sprinkle sweet paprika, ground ginger, nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate pinch of salt across the pumpkin surfaces.
7. Massage the seasonings into the pumpkin wedges using clean hands, guaranteeing each piece is thoroughly coated.
8. Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 210 degrees Celsius (410 degrees Fahrenheit) using the fan-assisted setting.
9. Roast for approximately 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to promote even caramelization.
10. Remove the pumpkin when the edges are golden brown and the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
11. Allow the roasted pumpkin to cool for 5-7 minutes, which helps the caramelized edges set.
12. Crush hazelnuts coarsely using a rolling pin or the flat side of a chef’s knife.
13. Generously scatter the crushed hazelnuts over the warm pumpkin wedges.
14. Finely chop fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them across the dish.
15. Grate fresh lemon zest over the top for a bright, citrusy finish.
16. Serve immediately while still warm as an elegant side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• Prep Tip: Cut pumpkin carefully using a sharp large knife to create even, manageable wedges that roast uniformly.
• Seasoning Trick: Massage maple syrup and spices directly onto pumpkin with hands for maximum flavor infusion and even coating.
• Roasting Secret: High oven temperature caramelizes natural sugars, creating a deliciously crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, tender interior.
• Nut Crunch: Roughly crush hazelnuts just before serving to preserve their fresh, toasty texture and prevent sogginess.
• Fresh Finish: Add mint and lemon zest at the last moment to maintain bright, vibrant flavors and aromatic freshness.
• Serving Suggestion: This versatile dish works beautifully as a warm side or elegant appetizer, perfect for autumn gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg