Pumpkin and sage
This simple cake makes a great vegetarian option for Christmas Day. With the delicious flavors of pumpkin and sage, it is a delicious and filling dish. Pithivier’s puff pastry encases a delicious filling, creating a heavenly combination of textures.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: You can easily bake as many of these cakes as you need and freeze them. Serve them warm and let the tempting smell of freshly baked cakes waft into the air. Treat yourself to this festive treat and impress your guests with a tasty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ a 500g pack of puff pastry
- flour, for dusting
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 4 tbsp mascarpone
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs, fresh or dried
- 6 sage leaves, chopped, plus a few extra for decoration
- 1 clove of garlic, finely grated into a paste
- Cut half of the top of a butternut squash (approx. 250g) into thin slices
- 1 egg, beaten
Preparation steps
- Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Divide the dough in half, but make one half a little larger.
- Roll out the slightly smaller half on a floured surface into a circle about 15 cm in diameter.
- Spread the mustard over it, leaving a gap of approx. 2 cm at the edge.
- Mix together the mascarpone, breadcrumbs, chopped sage and garlic and season generously.
- Arrange a few pumpkin slices in an overlapping manner to cover the mustard.
- Spread with some of the mascarpone mixture.
- Repeat the process, forming slightly smaller circles with the pumpkin each time and spreading mascarpone between each layer, until the top is just a slice of pumpkin and you have a rough dome shape on the dough.
- Roll out the remaining dough thinly.
- Use this to cover the pumpkin dome, gently pressing down on the vegetable to squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Press edges of dough to seal.
- At this point you can cover the cake and let it cool overnight or freeze it for a month.
- Thaw before proceeding.
- Brush with beaten egg, then poke a small steam hole in the top and carefully scratch patterns onto the surface.
- Dip a few sage leaves into the remaining egg and stick it on top.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a skewer inserted through the steam hole can easily pass through the vegetables.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 1022 | 72g | 37g | 76g | 16g | 7g | 21g | 2.1g |
Equipment and tools
- mixing bowl
- rolling pin
- baking tray
- parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush
Allergen information
This recipe may contain the following allergens:
- Dairy products (mascarpone)
- Gluten (puff pastry)
Please check the specific ingredients used and ensure they are suitable for your dietary needs.
Storage and leftovers
Store any leftover Squash & Sage Pithivier in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin and Sage Pithivier
Squash & Sage Pithivier is a delicious and aromatic dish made with puff pastry, butternut squash, sage and mascarpone. It not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of the main ingredients used in this recipe.
1. Butternut squash
The butternut squash used in this recipe is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system and promoting cell growth and renewal. Additionally, butternut squash is a good source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in boosting the immune system and collagen production.
Additionally, butternut squash’s bright orange color indicates its high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.
2. Sage
Sage is an herb known for its distinct aroma and flavor. It not only improves the taste of the dish but also brings several health benefits. Sage contains various compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress.
In traditional medicine, sage is used to promote digestion, relieve flatulence and relieve symptoms of diarrhea. It may also have antimicrobial properties, potentially fighting harmful bacteria and preventing certain infections.
3. Mascarpone
Mascarpone, a creamy Italian cheese, adds velvety texture and richness to the Pithivier recipe with pumpkin and sage. Although it has a higher fat content compared to other cheeses, it can still be enjoyed in moderation.
Mascarpone is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also provides a small amount of protein, contributing to muscle growth and repair. In addition, the fat content in mascarpone provides a feeling of satiety and satiety.
Note: If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, you can substitute the mascarpone with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
4. Puff pastry
Although puff pastry can be high in calories and fat, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The small amount used in this recipe gives the dish a lovely flaky texture. When consumed in moderation, puff pastry can be a source of energy and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Remember that portion control is key to enjoying any food and it is always important to balance enjoyment with healthy choices in your daily diet.
Overall, the Squash & Sage Pithivier offers a combination of flavors and textures while providing various nutrients. So, enjoy this delicious dish while reaping the health benefits it has to offer!
