So, the the idea with this dish is to start with a veggie (preferably in season) which you bake and then top with some legume pesto/hummus/bean spread etc. Serve it as a side to your dinner, part of a buffet or add a handful of cooked or soaked grains (oats, spelt, sorghum etc) or pseudo grains (quinoa, buckwheat) to make it a filling and complete dinner!

Pumpkin tray with pea pesto, yoghurt and fresh herbs

Serves 4 as a side

Ingredients

1 butternut squash or pumpkin such as Hokkaido pumpkin *

Pea pesto

250 grams green peas

1/2 dl / 0.2 cups pepitas/pumpkin seeds

2 handfulls of fresh basil

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1 Tbsp cold pressed olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper

For serving

Cammelina seeds **

fresh basil

red cabbage, raw shaved

How to

Pre heat the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Wash and cut the pumpkin in smaller pieces (but not too small - I like to serve quite big chunks!). Put on a baking tray and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until soft and sweet. When baking pumpkins, butternut squash and courgettes I usually don’t use any oil since they contain quite a lot of water as it is! However - for that extra shiny cover and some crisp brush with oil before baking in the oven.

Mix all the ingredients, except for the pumpkin seeds, for the pesto in a food processor until your preferred pesto texture. Add the pumpkin seeds and pulse a few times. Salt and pepper to taste.

Add bid dollops of pea pesto straight on top of the pumpkin, drizzle over som yoghurt and sprinkle with camelina seeds!

* Other yummy things to put on your tray could be: cauliflower, new potatoes, courgette, aubergine, carrots and sweet potatoes JUST TO MENTION A FEW. Feel free to add your favourites below!

** Camelina seeds are fiber and protein rich tiny seeds which roasted taste a bit nutty. Gives a nice texture on top of salads, crisp bread toppings or porridge! Great to add to your smoothie as well. Also I've heard it can be used as a egg replacement but never tried it - any of you who’ve done it?