Pumpkin and Carrot Rolls

Here is a delicious recipe for Italian-style pumpkin and carrot rolls. These rolls can be an excellent appetizer or a fancy side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 long pumpkin (such as delica or violin)
  • 2-3 carrots
  • 100 g of soft goat cheese or ricotta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh herbs to choice (for example, thyme or rosemary)
  • Parmesan flakes (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing the pumpkin and carrots. Cut the pumpkin into long, thin slices using a mandolin or a sharp knife. The slices should be thin enough to be rolled up without breaking.

  2. Take the carrots and cut them into matchstick-like sticks. If you prefer, you can also slightly grill them to soften.

  3. In a pan, heat a drizzle of oil and grill the pumpkin slices for a few minutes per side, until they are slightly golden and flexible. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.

  4. Once the pumpkin slices are ready, let them cool down for a moment.

  5. Take a slice of pumpkin and spread some soft goat cheese or ricotta on it. Add a moderate amount of carrots in the center and some fresh herbs.

  6. Roll the pumpkin slice around the cheese and carrot filling, creating the roll.

  7. Arrange the rolls in a lightly oiled baking dish or lined with parchment paper, drizzle with some oil and, if you like, add Parmesan flakes and chopped walnuts on top to enhance the flavor.

  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden and crispy.

  9. Serve the rolls warm or lukewarm.

Curiosity

This recipe combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the fresh and slightly spicy flavor of carrots, creating an interesting blend of flavors and textures. Moreover, by playing with the addition of aromatic herbs and seasonings, you can customize the rolls to suit your tastes and occasions.