Crown pumpkin holds its shape better than other varieties when cooked, but the recipe is still delicious using any other type.
Serves: 4–6
INGREDIENTS
1½ kilograms crown pumpkin
olive oil
sea salt and pepper
Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 leek, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 carrot, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
5 cups vegetable stock
1 tin large white beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup chopped parsley
To serve
ricotta fritters (see recipe below)
Ricotta and Sage Fritters
250 grams ricotta
¼ cup grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons plain flour
3 tablespoons ground almonds
1 egg
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon finely chopped sage
sea salt and ground pepper
To cook
olive oil
20 sage leaves, optional
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Peel and seed the pumpkin then cut into 3cm pieces. Place on a large lined baking tray and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until just tender.
Soup: Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the leek, onion, carrot and garlic with a good pinch of salt until tender. Stir in the sage, nutmeg and chilli then the stock and roasted pumpkin. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Add the white beans and parsley.
To serve: Divide the soup between bowls and top with the ricotta fritters and extra fried sage leaves if using.
Ricotta and Sage Fritters: Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and season.
To cook: Heat a little olive oil in a sauté pan and add spoonfuls of the mixture.
Top each one with a sage leaf and cook until puffed and golden on both sides. Fry any extra leaves until crisp. Makes about 16 fritters

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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.