This dish is absolutely elegant, and would wow any guest at a holiday party, or would impress your family as a weeknight side dish. The good news: it couldn’t be easier to make, just cut, bake, sprinkle, and serve!

What (your ingredients):

1 2-lb. sugar pumpkin
1 apple, diced
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 400 ˚F.

Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut off top of pumpkin (like you would do if carving a pumpkin).

Remove the seeds and flesh from center of pumpkin, and do not throw away! See my post on Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!

Add diced apple and butter divided into small pats inside the pumpkin:

Roast whole for 40 minutes.

Remove from oven, slice in half, and serve with cinnamon and brown sugar.

You could also add raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans or walnuts.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Half of this roasted pumpkin is 110 calories, but keeps you full with 16% of your fiber for the day. It also is an incredibly rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, so even though this roasted pumpkin tastes like a sweet side dish, it is actually loaded with nutrients.

Here's your nutrition label: Whole Roasted Sugar Pumpkin - Nutrition Label

P.S. Many thanks to Brewers Organics for providing this gorgeous sugar pumpkin in my produce box!