Wash all fresh ingredients under cold running water. Dry the pumpkin, peel it with a vegetable peeler (be careful, the pumpkin has a tough skin) and cut it into slices, then into cubes about 2 cm on each side. Cut the kaki in half and scoop out the seeds (if there are any) with a spoon, then cut the flesh into thick slices or cubes similar to the pumpkin. Peel the onion and cut it into thin feathers. Rinse the lettuce and dry it in a salad spinner or gently pat it dry with a paper towel.
Description
A bold, seasonal fusion salad combining the sweetness of roasted pumpkin and kaki (persimmon) with the spicy-salty halloumi and a creamy dressing made from white miso and sesame oil. The composition balances textures — soft, caramelized pumpkin, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crunchy pumpkin seeds — as well as contrasting flavors: umami from the miso, sweetness from honey (optional), and acidity from rice vinegar. This dish is perfect as a light lunch, an impressive appetizer at a party, or as part of a vegetarian dinner. It looks very striking on the plate: golden-orange cubes of pumpkin and kaki, white-golden slices of halloumi, and red pomegranate pearls. Serve immediately after assembling to maintain the contrast of temperatures and textures.
Ingredients (19)
- Butternut squash 500 g
- Kaki (persimmon), soft, ripe 2 szt.
- Halloumi 240 g
- Salad mix (arugula, lamb's lettuce, radicchio in small amounts) 120 g
- Pomegranate seeds 80 g
- Red onion 0.8 szt.
- White miso paste 30 g
- Rice vinegar 30 ml
- Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) 15 ml
- Sesame oil 20 ml
- Olive oil 30 ml
- Garlic 2 ząbki
- Fresh ginger 10 g
- Lemon juice 15 ml
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Salt 0.1 szczypt
- Ground black pepper 1 szczypta
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Honey 25 ml
- Roasted pumpkin seeds 30 g
- Nasiona sezamu 0.7 łyżka
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Preparation steps
Ingredient Preparation
Roasting pumpkin
Preheat the oven to 200°C (top and bottom). In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin cubes with 15 ml of olive oil (half the amount listed in the ingredients), 1 g of salt, and 0.5 g of pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, so the pieces do not touch. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring with a spoon after 15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender and starts to caramelize slightly (brown edges and softness when pierced with a knife).
Preparation of persimmon
If the persimmons are very ripe and soft, you can gently sauté them in a pan to lightly caramelize the surface: heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of oil (about 5 ml) and fry the persimmon slices for 1-2 minutes on each side until they soften slightly and a golden-brown color appears. If the persimmons are firm and you want to keep them fresh, skip the frying and use raw slices.
Preparing halloumi
Cut the halloumi into slices about 1 cm thick (you will get about 8 slices). Heat a dry non-stick or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you're worried about sticking, add 5-10 ml of olive oil. Place the slices in the hot pan and fry for 1.5-2 minutes on each side until a golden, crispy crust forms. The halloumi should be firm and have distinct golden stripes.
Preparation of miso-sesame dressing
In a small bowl, combine 30 g of white miso, 30 ml of rice vinegar, 15 ml of soy sauce, 20 ml of sesame oil, 15 ml of lemon juice, 10 g of freshly grated ginger, and 10 g of finely chopped or minced garlic. Optionally, add 25 g of honey if you want to soften the flavor and balance the acidity (for vegans, substitute with maple syrup). Whisk or use an immersion blender for 10-15 seconds until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly creamy. Taste and adjust with 1 g of salt and 0.5 g of pepper if needed.
Roasting pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds (optional)
In a dry, medium-sized skillet, toast 30 g of pumpkin seeds for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, shaking the skillet every few seconds until they start to sizzle and lightly darken. In a separate short process, toast 10 g of sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool.
Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, gently mix 120 g of salad mix with 80 g of pomegranate seeds and slivers of 120 g of red onion. Add the roasted pumpkin (whole from the baking tray) and slices of kaki (fried or raw depending on your choice). Drizzle with 2/3 of the prepared dressing (leave 1/3 for possible seasoning). Gently mix with your hands or two spoons to avoid damaging the leaves. Arrange the salad on a large platter or on individual plates.
Finishing and serving
Evenly distribute the grilled slices of halloumi on top of the salad. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and optionally sesame seeds (if using). Drizzle the remaining dressing in places where you want more umami and glaze. Season to taste with a small amount of salt (keeping in mind that halloumi is already salty) and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately — the cheese tastes best warm, and the salad fresh.
Optional serving variations
For the vegan version: skip the halloumi and honey; replace halloumi with sliced and grilled smoked tofu (about 200 g) and honey with maple syrup. For a spicier character, add thin slices of fresh chili or sprinkle with chili flakes.
Fun Fact
Halloumi comes from Cyprus and is traditionally made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk; due to its high melting point, it is perfect for grilling. The combination of miso (Japan) and pomegranate is an example of culinary fusion, blending the flavors of Asia and the Middle East.
Best for
Tips
Serve the salad immediately after arranging the halloumi, while the cheese is still warm — the contrast of temperatures and textures enhances the enjoyment of eating. Layer the ingredients on the plate: lettuce at the bottom, pieces of pumpkin and persimmon in the middle, halloumi on top, and sprinkle the toppings (pomegranate, seeds) last.
Store separately: roasted pumpkin and dressing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days; keep halloumi chilled for up to 3 days. Do not mix the salad long before serving — the leaves will wilt. Briefly heat the halloumi in a pan before serving if it has been stored.
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