Healthy food doesn’t have to be boring, and the roasted pumpkin salad proves just that. There’s something about pumpkins that always reminds me of being warm and cosy on a cold morning. Plus, pumpkins are delicious as they are sweet and adds colour to your plate.
Not everyone is a fan of pumpkin, which honestly is unfortunate, but for those of you who are true fans, the roasted pumpkin salad is the best way to start a full course or even to snack in the comfort of your own home.
What is a Roasted Pumpkin Salad
A roasted pumpkin salad is everything but your average bowl of salad. The components in the salad make the dish very rustic and full of earthy flavours. There is a couple of ways to do this dish, but most commonly the dish is achieved by roasting bite-sized pumpkins in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. Once that is done, mix it with spinach leaves, crumbles of feta cheese, rocket leaves, pumpkin seeds and drizzle it with balsamic vinegar and honey. You can even replace the pumpkin seeds with other nuts such as pine nuts, crushed hazelnuts and black olives.
History of Pumpkin in Cuisine
Pumpkin originated from North America with the discovery of pumpkin seeds and related plants in certain areas in Mexico that dates all the way back to 7000 BC. The pumpkin grew in the wild, and Native Americans used it as a staple in their everyday diet before the pilgrims first landed in America.
As a matter of fact, the Native Americas didn’t just use pumpkin as a staple part of their diet, but they also made full use of the plant by turning dried strips of pumpkins into mats and materials for their houses.
Eventually, pumpkin became more known for its role as Jack-O-Lantern during Halloween. In America, people would visit pumpkin farms during October as it is pumpkin season. The perfect timing to pick out pumpkins to be carved as decorations for the spooky festive season. However, this doesn’t stop pumpkin from becoming a favourite ingredient in modern cuisine.
Today, pumpkin is regarded as one of the popular seasonal produce as restaurants would come up with limited time recipes such as the pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup amongst other famous pumpkin dishes.
Health Benefits of Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Pumpkins aren’t just good for Halloween carvings; it is also high in nutrients that are good for your body. Pumpkins have a high content of Vitamin A that aid with maintaining and protecting your vision. It is also rich with antioxidants that can help your body fights chronic diseases, including cancer and heart attack.
Apart from Vitamin A, pumpkin also has a high content of Vitamin C that is essential in the healing and repairing of your cells and tissue. It also helps increase blood cells that help you fight harmful bacteria in your body.
Where to get Pumpkin Salad in KL
Ready to enjoy all that pumpkins have to offer? Several restaurants in KL serve pumpkins dishes. Make your way to Delicious in Bangsar Village and get your hands on their Roasted Pumpkin Salad served with sun-dried tomatoes, croutons and lemon dressing.
If you don’t want to drive to the city area, make your way to Iggo in Shah Alam where they serve their Roasted Pumpkin Salad for only RM14.90. Can’t be bothered to make the drive? Have this dish delivered to you via the foodpanda app instead!