Baked pumpkin with honey and cinnamon is a delicious and simple dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the pumpkin with aromatic spices. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make this tasty side or dessert:
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium pumpkin (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into wedges or cubes
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for added spice)
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into wedges or cubes.
- If you have a small pumpkin, you can use a knife or vegetable peeler. For a larger pumpkin, consider using a sharp knife to cut it into manageable pieces.
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Season the Pumpkin:
- In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin pieces with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Drizzle the honey over the pumpkin and toss again.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt over the pumpkin. Toss until the pumpkin is well coated with the spices.
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Bake the Pumpkin:
- Spread the pumpkin pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and caramelized. You can check for doneness by piercing a piece with a fork—it should go in easily.
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Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pumpkin just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a sweet treat.
Tips
- Pumpkin Varieties: You can use different types of pumpkin or squash, such as butternut squash or sugar pie pumpkin. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey based on the sweetness of your pumpkin and personal preference. You can also substitute maple syrup for honey if you prefer.
- Crispier Texture: For a crispier texture, you can broil the pumpkin for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
This baked pumpkin with honey and cinnamon is a comforting and versatile dish that's perfect for fall or anytime you want a touch of sweetness in your meal. Enjoy!
