A dish of roasted pumpkin with chickpea and kale is a hearty, nutritious, and visually appealing meal that balances various textures and flavors.This combination makes for a vibrant, satisfying, and wholesome meal that is naturally vegan, rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.

Ingredients

• 500g pumpkin (butternut or kobocha work well), peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 can (400g/15oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 large bunch of kale, tough stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for massaging kale and dressing)
• Seasoning: 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper (adjust to taste)
• Dressing (optional): A simple tahini-lemon dressing adds creaminess. Combine ¼ cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt/pepper, and water to thin to your desired consistency.
• Optional Toppings: Feta cheese, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), red onion, or pomegranate seeds.

Instructions

Roast the pumpkin and chickpeas

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• On one or two lined baking sheets, toss the pumpkin cubes and dried chickpeas with olive oil and the seasonings (paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
• Spread them in a single layer and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and the chickpeas are golden and crispy. Give them a toss halfway through for even cooking.

Prepare the kale

• While the pumpkin and chickpeas are roasting, place the chopped kale in a large serving bowl.
• Drizzle the kale with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Use clean hands to massage the leaves by lightly scrunching them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and turn a darker, more vibrant green. Do not skip this step, as it breaks down the tough fibers.

Assemble the dish

• Once the pumpkin and chickpeas are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Add the warm roasted pumpkin and chickpeas to the massaged kale and toss to combine.
• Drizzle with your desired dressing (if using) and add any optional toppings like crumbled feta or pumpkin seeds.

Recipe from Classy Lifestyle