Crispy Gratinated Pumpkin with Rosemary and Grana Padano

Gratinated Pumpkin Recipe
Category: Side Dishes
Serves: 4

If you’re craving a delicious, comforting, and aromatic side dish, this gratinated pumpkin is the perfect choice. The soft, savory pumpkin chunks, combined with aromatic herbs like rosemary and sage, form a beautiful base for the crispy topping made with day-old bread and Grana Padano cheese. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dish, ideal for a family meal or dinner party.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin
   Start by peeling the pumpkin using a sharp knife to remove the tough outer skin. Once peeled, cut the pumpkin into slices, then into strips, and finally into 1 cm cubes. Make sure the cubes are as uniform as possible for even cooking.

2. Cook the Pumpkin
   In a large ovenproof skillet (or a non-stick pan that can be transferred to the oven later), heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the rosemary sprigs and garlic clove to the pan, and sauté for a minute to infuse the oil with their flavors. Season the pumpkin cubes with fine salt and ground black pepper, then add them to the pan. Stir the pumpkin to coat it with the oil and aromatics, ensuring that all pieces are seasoned.

3. Simmer and Cover
   Let the pumpkin cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. When there are about 5 minutes left of cooking time, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. This step helps to soften the pumpkin further, making it tender and full of flavor.

4. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
   While the pumpkin is cooking, prepare the breadcrumb topping. Take the stale bread and remove the crust using a knife. Cut the bread into small cubes and place them in a food processor. Pulse until you have coarse breadcrumbs. Add the Grana Padano cheese to the bread cubes and pulse again until the mixture is well combined. The cheese will add a rich, savory flavor to the breadcrumbs.

5. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) on the fan-assisted setting. If you used a skillet that is not ovenproof, transfer the cooked pumpkin to a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Otherwise, you can continue using the same skillet.

6. Assemble the Gratin
   Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the cooked pumpkin. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top, ensuring that the breadcrumbs are lightly coated. The olive oil helps to crisp up the topping while baking.

7. Bake the Gratin
   Place the skillet (or baking dish) in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. You can check halfway through the baking time and give the pan a little shake to make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly browned.

8. Finish and Serve
   Once the gratin is ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh sage leaves for an added aromatic touch before serving. This gratinated pumpkin pairs beautifully with roasted meats, pasta, or as a hearty vegetarian side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or nutmeg to the breadcrumb mixture for a slight kick.
• Make it dairy-free by replacing the Grana Padano with a dairy-free cheese or simply skipping the cheese altogether.
• If you don’t have stale bread, fresh bread can be used as long as it’s toasted first to achieve the right texture for the topping.

This gratinated pumpkin is a delicious, aromatic, and wholesome side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during fall when pumpkins are in season. It’s easy to prepare and looks impressive, making it a great choice for family dinners or holiday meals.

Enjoy this savory, crispy delight with your favorite main course, or serve it as a vegetarian option that’s both satisfying and flavorful!