Baked pumpkin with garlic and thyme

Baked pumpkin along with aromatic herbs and garlic will make a flavorful side dish to any meal while spreading a beautiful aroma throughout the house.

Nutritional benefits

Loaded with beta carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A, pumpkins are beneficial for maintaining eye health. They also offer vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate all of which strengthen your immune system. Pumpkin’s rich yellow-orange color is also a sign it’s packed with potassium which is crucial for lowering blood pressure. Several studies have shown that higher potassium levels can lower your risk of stroke, kidney stones, and type-2 diabetes. Therefore, including this vegetable in your meals will provide great health benefits.

Garlic on the other hand is considered a super food as it contains a host of bioactive compounds. The health benefits ranges from reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, reduction of cancer risk, antioxidant effect and antimicrobial effect to detoxification.

Ingredients

• 100 grams pumpkin or squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced

Nutritional value

• Nutrition Info
• Amount
• Calories
• 158 kcal
• Carbs
• 4 grams
• Protein
• 1 grams
• Fats
• 15 grams

Method

• Halve the pumpkin and scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut into 2cm thick slices and put olive oil in a shallow roasting tin and heat gently.
• Add the wedges of squash and season well with salt and pepper. Pull the leaves off the thyme and scatter those on too.
• Turn the wedges over, making sure you get herbs, oil and seasoning all over them.
• Put into an oven preheated to 190ºC/375ºF and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Baste the squash pieces every so often while they’re cooking and sprinkle the garlic over 15 minutes before the end of cooking time to prevent them from burning.

Over to you

This recipe requires minimal preparation and yet doesn’t lack on flavors. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and good fats. Pop it in oven when you feel too lazy to prepare meal but still want to eat healthy homemade food.