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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.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, vegan main
Cuisine Middle Eastern / Levantine Fusion
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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
 
 
Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of recipe)

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
(Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.)