Thanksgiving recipes – a bit on the side, the African way

Thanksgiving recipes…. it’s time for a side dish

American roasted squash with crispy maple pumpkin seeds…

The use of maple syrup in this recipe turns the simple squash into a delicious accompaniment for your Thanksgiving turkey dinner

2 squash halved with seeds removed
2 tbs olive oil
2 tbs pure maple syrup
3/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
175 ml pumpkin seeds lightly toasted
pinch cayenne pepper

what to do next…

• place squash cut sides down on greased baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven 400F (200C) for 45 to 60 minutes
• allow to cool and scoop out the flesh
• take a large bowl and mash the squash until smooth
• stir in 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp syrup, 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper
• spread the mix in large, shallow baking dish
• stir together pumpkin seeds, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp syrup, remaining 1/4 tsp salt and cayenne and sprinkle over the squash
• Turn up the oven temperature to 425F (220C) and cook for around 20 mins or until golden Serves 12 as a side dish

Serves 12 as a side dish for thanksgiving.

African Roast Pumpkin slices…

10 slices pumpkin peel left on, cut about 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons butter, heaped, per slice
2 teaspoons brown sugar, per slice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon per slice (or more)
salt

what to do next…

• Pre-heat the oven to 160 deg C.
• wash the pumpkin. Slice and remove seeds
• arrange the slices in an oven dish, overlapping slightly
• rub butter over the slices (2 teaspoons per slice)
• sprinkle over brown sugar
• sprinkle with cinnamon then salt
• bake for 45 mins. until the pumpkin peel is soft and sugar melted

Serves 4