Spiced Pumpkin Quinoa and Maple Nuts

Jacqueline Alwill

Brown Paper Nutrition

Gluten free : Vegan

Serves 4 as a side

1/4 jap pumpkin, approx 700-800g, sliced into 4 wedges

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons olive or melted coconut oil

1/4 cup tricolour quinoa

1/2 cup fresh herbs, rocket or baby spinach, finely sliced

1/4 small Spanish onion, finely diced

1/2 lemon cut in wedges

Sea salt and black pepper

Maple nuts:

1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

14 cup pecans

1/4 cup pistachios

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Dressing:

1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

HEAT oven to 200C and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Place pumpkin pieces on one tray, sprinkle with cinnamon and oil and toss to coat. Place in oven to cook for 20 minutes.

ROAST nuts on the other tray, by tossing with maple syrup and placing in oven to cook for 12 minutes. Check half way for even cooking and toss gently. 

COOK quinoa with 3/4 cup cup water, until absorbed and tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

WHISK dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.

SERVE on large platter or tray. Sprinkle half the spanish onion, maple nuts, fresh herbs and cooked quinoa on the base of the tray, top with pumpkin pieces then repeat. Pour dressing into a small dish on the side of the platter, season all with sea salt and black pepper and serve with lemon wedges.