PUMPKIN SEED PREPARATION RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut the top off the pumpkin or squash and use a metal spoon to scoop out the seeds. Get rid of any pithy bits but keep the seeds for another time (see our pumpkin seed recipe ideas). Put the pumpkin on a baking tray, rub with 2 tbsp of the oil inside and out, and season well. Roast in the centre of the oven for 45 mins or until tender, with the ‘lid’ on the side.
• Meanwhile, rinse the wild rice well and cook following pack instructions, then spread out on a baking tray to cool. Thinly slice the fennel bulb and apple, then squeeze over ½ the lemon juice to stop them discolouring.
• Heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan. Fry the fennel seeds and chilli flakes, then, once the seeds begin to pop, stir in ½ the garlic and the fennel. Cook for 5 mins until softened, then mix through the apple, pecans and lemon zest. Remove from the heat. Add the mixture to the the cooked rice, then stir in the chopped parsley and taste for seasoning.
• Pack the mixture into the cooked pumpkin and return to the oven for 10-15 mins until everything is piping hot. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining lemon juice with the tahini, the rest of the garlic and enough water to make a dressing. Serve the pumpkin in the middle of the table, topped with pomegranate seeds and the dressing.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Peel, deseed and chop the pumpkin into 3cm chunks (reserve the seeds for the relish – see tip). Tip the pumpkin onto a baking tray, drizzle over half the oil, scatter with the allspice and toss well. Season and roast for 30 mins until golden and tender. Meanwhile, toast the coconut flakes for the relish in a dry frying pan over a low heat for a few minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the pan and leave to cool, then stir in the pumpkin seeds, chilli, coriander and lime zest.
• Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, and fry the onion for 5 mins until tender but not golden. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for another minute, then tip in 1 litre stock and the miso. Put the roasted pumpkin in the pan, then bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and blend the soup with a stick blender until smooth. If you prefer a thinner soup, add the remaining stock. Return the soup to a gentle simmer, then season well and stir in the lime juice. Ladle into bowls, and serve topped with a swirl of the soya cream and a sprinkle of the relish.