Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed into ½ inch pieces
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp (3g) kosher salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (300g) pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp (15ml) unsalted butter
- 6 oz (170g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup (30g) pine nuts, toasted
- ½ cup (15g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup (15g) red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5ml) lemon zest
- 1 tsp (5ml) honey
- 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the cubed pumpkin with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the edges are mahogany-colored and the centers are velvety.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the pearl couscous and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the grains smell nutty and turn golden brown.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- In a mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and minced garlic. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and glossy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pearl couscous, roasted pumpkin, crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and diced red onion.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently to combine.