Roasting the pumpkin caramelises the sugars and makes a great accompaniment. Adding a good slice of salty feta and nutty chickpeas turns it into a tasty main course.
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup amaranth
2 cups water
½ cup red quinoa, rinsed well and drained
600 grams pumpkin, peeled and cut into wedges
olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 x 400 gram tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ small red onion, sliced thinly
large handful salad leaves
100 grams feta, sliced
Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Put the amaranth and water in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil. The grains will float on the surface. Simmer for 8 minutes then add the quinoa and cook for a further 10 minutes. Drain in a fine sieve then spread out on a large plate to cool.
Place the pumpkin on a lined baking tray and brush with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast until just tender, turning once. Cool.
Dressing: Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl and season.
To serve: Put the grains, chickpeas, sunflower seeds and onion in a large bowl and toss with ¾ of the dressing. Divide between bowls and top with the roasted pumpkin, salad leaves and feta. Spoon over the remaining dressing.
Pantry notes:Amaranth is an ancient grain renowned for its nutritional value. Available from specialty and health food stores.
Pomegranate molasses is a thick syrup produced by cooking down pomegranate juice. It is a slightly astringent, sweet-sour condiment used widely throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. Available in the international section of some supermarkets and from specialty food stores.

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As winter arrives, so does the latest issue of dish! With over 60 recipes this edition features seasonal produce like pumpkin, leeks and silverbeet whipped into delicious dinners. Pasta takes centre-stage in 5 outrageously tasty recipes, then we break out the slow cooker and amp up the comfort with cozy roasts and braises. Winter wouldn’t be the same without a hearty pie or two, and we have a selection – from Beef Cheek Pot Pie to Moroccan Shepherd’s Pie. Food Fast has your speedy weeknight dinners covered then Melie brings the magic with inventive chicken dishes while Olivia’s baking and desserts will brighten the even the coldest days.