Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin (around 1 kg or 2.2 lbs)
- 3 large carrots (approximately 300 g or 10.5 oz)
- 2 medium red onions (around 200 g or 7 oz)
- 1 whole bulb of garlic (about 50 g or 1.75 oz)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (45-60 ml)
- Salt to taste (around 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (around 1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into large chunks.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into thick slices.
- Peel the red onions and quarter them.
- Slice the top off the garlic bulb, exposing the individual cloves.
- Arrange the vegetables: Place the pumpkin, carrots, red onions, and the whole garlic bulb (cut side up) on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Evenly drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring they are well coated. Add more olive oil if needed.
- Season: Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. The garlic should be soft and golden.
- Cool slightly: Remove the tray from the oven and let the vegetables cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the mousse:
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roasted pumpkin, carrots, and onions to the bowl.
- Pour in the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Using an immersion blender (or a food processor), puree the vegetables until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mousse and add more salt or pepper if necessary. If you prefer a silkier texture, you can add a bit more olive oil.
- Serve: The vegetable mousse can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to develop more flavor. Spread it on slices of crusty bread, use it as a dip for vegetables, or as a side dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~100 kcal
- Protein: ~1.5 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~9 g
- Fiber: ~2.5 g
- Sugars: ~4 g
- Sodium: Depends on the amount of salt used, estimated ~300 mg
This roasted vegetable mousse is a healthy, flavorful option that’s rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and contains healthy fats from the olive oil. Enjoy it as a nutritious spread on bread or as a dip for your favorite veggies!