Middle Eastern Roasted Pumpkin with Cinnamon, Tahini & Dukkah
This dish is a sweet-savory-slightly smoky delight, with the soft caramelized pumpkin enriched by cinnamon warmth, lifted by the brightness of lemony tahini, and enhanced with crunchy dukkah and bursts of pomegranate juice. It’s both exotic and comforting.
Servings 4
Calories 230kcal
Ingredients
Roasted Pumpkin:
- 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash ~2 lbs / 1kg, peeled, deseeded, and cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or date syrup
Tahini Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 2 –3 tbsp water to thin
- Pinch of salt
Garnishes:
- 2 tbsp dukkah spice mix or toasted sesame + crushed nuts
- Fresh pomegranate seeds
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional: chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Pumpkin: Toss the pumpkin wedges with olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and maple syrup. Spread out on a lined baking sheet.
- Roast: for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the pumpkin is golden, tender, and slightly caramelized at the edges.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water until smooth and pourable.
- Assemble & Garnish: Place roasted pumpkin on a serving plate. Drizzle with tahini sauce, sprinkle with dukkah, pomegranate seeds, chopped herbs, and chili flakes if using.
Notes
Serving Ideas:
- As a vegan main course with couscous, quinoa, or flatbread
- As a side dish to grilled meats or falafel
- Topped with a poached egg for a fusion brunch
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 230
-
Total Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
-
Total Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Total Sugars: 8 g
- Added Sugars: 3 g (from maple or date syrup)
- Protein: 4 g
- Vitamin A: 240% DV
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Magnesium: 15% DV
- Potassium: 680 mg (≈15% DV)
- Zinc: 8% DV
- Manganese: 20% DV
