Pumpkin and Dried Fruit Pastilla Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 12 sheets phyllo dough
• Butter or cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pumpkin is fork-tender and lightly browned on the edges.
4. Meanwhile, combine dried apricots, raisins, almonds and honey in a separate bowl, set aside.
5. Add dried fruit mixture to the skillet with pumpkin and stir well to combine.
6. Brush a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil.
7. On a clean surface, lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat. Brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
8. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and repeat until all sheets are used. Ensure to brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray before layering each sheet.
9. Place the phyllo sheets into the prepared pie dish, letting the edges hang over.
10. Transfer the pumpkin filling to the pie dish.
11. Bring the edges of the phyllo sheets over the filling, scrunching them together at the top to create a “purse”.
12. Brush the top with remaining olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown.
13. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Verdict:

This pumpkin and dried fruit pastilla recipe is a tasty vegetarian dish that is perfect for fall. The combination of the spiced pumpkin, sweet dried fruit, and crunchy almonds create a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The crispy phyllo dough adds a nice crunch to the recipe and holds everything together nicely. This dish can be served as an appetizer or as part of a meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair the pumpkin and dried fruit pastilla with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also tastes great with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.