Billabong Retreat Head Chef Adam Lord shares his famous baked pumpkin recipe. Pumpkins offer a variety of health benefits due to their nutritional content and unique phytochemicals.
Health benefits of consuming pumpkin incude:
- Nutrient-Rich: Pumpkins are low in calories but rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins like folate, niacin, and riboflavin.
- High in Fiber: Pumpkin contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Eye Health: The high vitamin A content in pumpkin is essential for good vision and may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Immune Support: The vitamins and antioxidants in pumpkin can boost the immune system and help the body defend against illnesses.
- Heart Health: The potassium and fiber in pumpkin may contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure.
- Skin Health: Vitamin A in pumpkin is known for promoting healthy skin by preventing acne, reducing wrinkles, and promoting overall skin radiance.
- Antioxidant Properties: Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and other carotenoids.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Some compounds in pumpkin have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.
- Post-Exercise Recovery: The potassium content in pumpkin can help with muscle recovery and reduce the risk of muscle cramps after exercise.
Ingredients
– 1/2 bunch rosemary
– 1/2 bunch sage
– 1 bulb garlic
– 1 medium jap pumpkin
– Salt
– Black pepper
– 2 bay leaf
– Olive oil
Method
⁃ Pre-heat oven to 155-160°C fan forced.
⁃ Thoroughly wash the pumpkin in cold water to remove any dirt or soil.
⁃ With a large sharp knife, cut the pumpkin in half through the center.
⁃ Remove the pumpkin seeds
⁃ With a small sharp knife score the pumpkin into eight wedges.
⁃ Place in a baking dish lined with baking paper and drizzle liberally with olive oil.
⁃ Cut the bulb of garlic in half and rub each half pumpkin with a half garlic bulb.
⁃ Place the garlic face up in the middle of each pumpkin half.
⁃ Season with salt and pepper
⁃ Pick the leaves of sage and rosemary, roughly chop and sprinkle evenly over each pumpkin.
⁃ Place bay leaves in the tray and add 200ml approx of water.
⁃ Place in the preheated oven for 2 hours checking occasionally that it is not colouring to quickly. ⁃ With a small knife check the pumpkin is soft and the knife moves freely through the flesh.
Note: If the pumpkin hasn’t caramelised on top after 2 hours, increase the temperature to 180•c for another 15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
Great as a center piece of a meal or as a side dish for a roast. Also lends itself well to steamed and baked fish.