Save A festive and fun dish featuring roasted pumpkin and colorful vegetables arranged to resemble a jack-o-lantern—perfect for a Halloween celebration.
This cozy chicken stew was a hit at my family dinners and quickly became our go to comfort food.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 small round pumpkin (about 2 lbs) peeled seeded and cut into 12 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 12 tsp ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnishes: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas) toasted
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Step 2:
- Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face
- Step 3:
- 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
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil then sprinkle with smoked paprika cumin salt and pepper
- Step 5:
- Roast in the oven for 25 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized
- Step 6:
- Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter maintaining the jack o lantern face
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving
Save This recipe always brings joy at our Halloween gatherings and sparks compliments from guests of all ages
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
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Chefs knife Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains seeds (pumpkin seeds) Recipe is naturally gluten free and dairy free Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens
Save This festive dish makes the perfect conversation starter and centerpiece for any Halloween party
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pumpkin works best for this dish?
Choose a small round pumpkin about 2 lbs, peeled and seeded, as it holds shape well during roasting and is tender once cooked.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or eggplant can replace some listed items to vary flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve the jack-o-lantern look?
Arrange pumpkin slices in a circle and use bell pepper strips to outline facial features, filling in with zucchini and red onion for color contrast.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavor here?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper complement the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and vegetables very well.
- → Is this dish suitable for special diets?
Absolutely, it is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free, making it friendly for many dietary preferences.
- → Can this be served warm or cold?
It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, fitting various serving preferences.