Save A festive and fun dish featuring roasted pumpkin and colorful vegetables arranged to resemble a jack-o-lantern—perfect for a Halloween celebration.
A joyous treat I first crafted during a family Halloween gathering, and it quickly became a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 small round pumpkin (about 2 lbs) peeled seeded and cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced into thin strips 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and sliced into thin strips 1 small zucchini sliced into rounds 1 small red onion sliced into thin wedges
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas) toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the pumpkin slices:
- Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face.
- Outline the jack-o-lantern features:
- Use bell pepper strips to outline the eyes nose and mouth of the jack-o-lantern. Fill in with zucchini and red onion for color and contrast.
- Season the vegetables:
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil then sprinkle with smoked paprika cumin salt and pepper.
- Roast:
- Roast in the oven for 25 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Transfer carefully:
- Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter maintaining the jack-o-lantern face.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
Save This recipe has brought many smiles to my family during Halloween nights, making celebrations all the more special.
Notes
For added flavor serve with a yogurt or tahini dipping sauce on the side. You can substitute other vegetables like carrots or eggplant for more variety. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Chefs knife Cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 2 g per serving
Save This festive platter is sure to brighten any Halloween table and inspire culinary creativity.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve the jack-o-lantern shape?
Arrange pumpkin slices in a circular shape on a baking sheet. Use strips of red and yellow bell peppers to outline the eyes, nose, and mouth, then fill with zucchini and red onion slices for color.
- → What spices enhance the flavor?
Smoked paprika and ground cumin add a warm, smoky depth that complements the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
- → Can other vegetables be used?
Yes, you can substitute with carrots, eggplant, or other colorful vegetables to add variety while maintaining the festive look.
- → Should I serve this dish warm or cold?
This plate is best served warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full range of roasted flavors and textures.
- → What garnishes are recommended?
Fresh chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a fresh herbal note and a pleasant crunch as a finishing touch.