Preheat the oven to 200°C with the convection function (or 220°C without convection). In the meantime, wash the hokkaido pumpkin thoroughly under running water. Place it on a stable cutting board and using a large, sharp knife, cut it in half. Then, cut each half again to obtain quarters. Use a metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous flesh from each quarter.
Description
This salad is the essence of autumn on a plate. It combines an extraordinary harmony of flavors and textures, creating a dish that is both elegant and incredibly filling. The sweetness of the gently caramelized, roasted hokkaido pumpkin perfectly complements the juicy, fresh pear. The bold, slightly spicy, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese provides an excellent counterpoint to the sweeter ingredients, adding depth to the whole. Crunchiness is given by toasted walnuts, while the slightly peppery lamb's lettuce creates the perfect backdrop. Everything is tied together with a velvety vinaigrette made from olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard, which balances all the flavors. The salad is not only delicious but also beautifully presented on the plate thanks to the contrast of the orange pumpkin, the green of the lamb's lettuce, and the white veins of the cheese. It is perfect as a light, standalone lunch, an exquisite appetizer at a party, or a side dish for roasted meats, such as duck or turkey.
Ingredients (12)
- Hokkaido pumpkin 400 g
- Lamb's lettuce 100 g
- Pear 2 szt.
- Gorgonzola cheese 150 g
- Walnuts 50 g
- Extra virgin olive oil 0.4 łyżek
- Balsamic vinegar 30 ml
- Liquid honey 20 g
- Dijon mustard 10 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Pieprz czarny świeżo mielony 2 szczypty
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Pestki granatu 50 g
💡 Kliknij na składnik aby oznaczyć jako użyty
Preparation steps
Preparation of roasted pumpkin
Cut the pumpkin quarters crosswise into smaller pieces about 1.5-2 cm thick, resembling crescent shapes. Transfer the cut pumpkin to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (about 15 ml), sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground pepper. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands, ensuring each piece of pumpkin is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pieces of pumpkin in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The pumpkin is ready when a fork easily pierces it, and its edges are slightly browned and caramelized. After baking, remove the sheet from the oven and set the pumpkin aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the vinaigrette sauce
In a small jar with a lid, place all the sauce ingredients: 4 tablespoons of olive oil (60 ml), 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (30 ml), 1 tablespoon of liquid honey (20g), and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (10g). Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground pepper.
Tightly close the jar and shake it vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. You will see how the oil and vinegar, which were initially separated, combine into a smooth, uniform emulsion with a slightly creamy consistency. This is a sign that the dressing is ready. Set it aside.
Salad composition
In a dry, small skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer them to a plate to cool. Gently rinse the lamb's lettuce and dry it thoroughly. Wash the pears, cut them into quarters, remove the seeds, and then slice them thinly. Crumble the Gorgonzola cheese into smaller pieces with your fingers.
On a large platter or on four individual plates, evenly arrange the dried lamb's lettuce, creating a green base. Artistically place pieces of slightly cooled roasted pumpkin on top. Between the pumpkin, insert slices of fresh pear. Then sprinkle everything with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and toasted walnuts. If using, sprinkle everything with pomegranate seeds for added color and flavor.
Just before serving the salad, shake the jar with the dressing vigorously once more. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, trying to distribute it evenly over all the ingredients. Serve immediately while the lamb's lettuce is crisp and the pumpkin is still slightly warm.
Fun Fact
Hokkaido pumpkin, unlike most of its cousins, comes from Japan, not America. It was cultivated on the Japanese island of Hokkaido in the late 19th century. Its great advantage is its thin, edible skin, which becomes soft and delicious after baking.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad on a large, flat platter to showcase its beautiful colors and ingredients. It pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a piece of crusty baguette to scoop up the delicious dressing.
The salad tastes best when freshly prepared. If you want to prepare the ingredients in advance, store them separately in the fridge: roasted pumpkin in an airtight container (up to 2 days), dressing in a sealed jar (up to a week), and washed and dried lamb's lettuce in a container lined with paper towels. Assemble the salad just before serving.
📸 Ugotowane przez społeczność
Zaloguj się, aby dodać zdjęcieDodaj zdjęcie gotowej potrawy
Po zatwierdzeniu przez moderatora otrzymasz 10 punktów doświadczenia.
Nikt jeszcze nie dodał zdjęcia. Bądź pierwszy!
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this recipe!
Add a comment