Pasta with pumpkin and spices

Pasta with Pumpkin and Spices

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

I present to you a delicious and comforting recipe for pasta with pumpkin and spices, perfect for the cold season. This simple recipe is full of warm flavors and will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or a special dinner.

Ingredients:
- 300 g pasta (preferably penne or farfalle)
- 400 g pumpkin (any type: hokkaido or pie pumpkin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 50 g raisins
- 200 ml water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Preparation method:

1. Start by preparing the pumpkin. Peel it and cut it into cubes of about 2 cm. This size will allow the pumpkin to cook evenly and turn into a soft and flavorful mixture.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn them.

3. Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the pumpkin cubes and mix well. Add the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These will add a warm and exotic note to your dish. Sauté the pumpkin with the spices for 5 minutes.

4. Add the raisins and water or vegetable broth to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the pumpkin becomes very soft. If necessary, add a little more water to prevent sticking.

5. In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it but keep a few tablespoons of the cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce.

6. Once the pumpkin is cooked, use a fork or a masher to lightly crush it in the skillet to obtain a creamy mixture. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine all the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it.

7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

8. Serve the pasta warm, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. This detail will add a touch of freshness and flavor to your dish.

Variation suggestion: For an extra protein boost, you can add cubes of tofu or chicken breast to the skillet before adding the pumpkin. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole grain or vegetable pasta, for a healthier option.

This pumpkin and spice pasta recipe is not only quick but also full of flavor, making it perfect for cozy nights at home. Enjoy every bite and savor the warm flavors of autumn!

 Ingredients: 500g pasta, a quarter of pumpkin, a stick of cinnamon, a star anise, a tablespoon of pine nuts, 1 tablespoon of currants, 2 cloves, 1 sprig of sage, 2 tablespoons of grated cheese, salt, pepper.