Autumnal Roasted Pumpkin with Salsa Verde & Feta by @tarasbusykitchen

The clocks have gone back meaning we’re officially in Autumn! We’ve teamed up with our foodie ambassador, Tara Smith who has developed the perfect nutritious and seasonal recipe to get cosy this October. A delicious blend of roasted Pumpkin, Salsa Verde and baked Feta - a versatile dish perfect as a starter on its own, or as a main course with a seasonal salad. It's also a great way to use up your Pumpkin once you’ve carved your jack o’lantern post Halloween!

Ingredients 

• 1 x pumpkin or butternut squash (about 450g)
• 1 x block of feta cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste 

For the salsa:

• 50g parsley, chopped finally
• 1 x lemon, juiced
• 1/2 clove of finely minced garlic
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper 

Method

1. Preheat an oven to 180C. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Set them aside for later. Cut the two halves of pumpkin in half again so you have 4 quarters.
2. Place the pumpkin on a large baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, score the flesh of pumpkin. Be careful not to cut the whole way through.
3. Drizzle the pumpkin with 2tbsp of olive oil and place the pumpkin seeds alongside. Roast in the oven for approximately 30 minutes until the pumpkin flesh has started to soften and the seeds start to become golden.
4. Break the feta into 4 pieces and place a piece on each quarter of pumpkin. Toss the pumpkin seeds and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the tray back in the oven and roast for a further 20-30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.
5. Meanwhile toss the parsley in a bowl and add the lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Using a sharp knife chop the roasted pumpkin seeds. Add the seeds to the bowl and stir everything together. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
6. Put the roasted pumpkin on a pretty serving platter and drizzle the herb salsa over the top. Serve immediately as a starter or whip up a seasonal salad to serve alongside as a vegetarian main course.   

Need anymore convincing to use up your pumpkin? Head to our Instagram to see Tara’s delicious creation and make sure to tag us in your Autumnal feasts!