Honey-Cinnamon Pumpkin Lentil Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cinnamon Pumpkin

01 - 400g pumpkin or butternut squash (pre-peeled weight), peeled, sliced into 1cm thick pieces, then cut into bite-size wedges
02 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
03 - 1 tsp cinnamon
04 - 1/2 tsp all spice
05 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Salad

06 - 800g canned lentils, well drained and patted dry
07 - 2 cups (packed) rocket/arugula leaves (preferably baby, otherwise hand-tear larger ones)
08 - 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
09 - 3 tsp fresh thyme leaves

→ Honey Walnuts

10 - 3/4 cup walnuts (or pecans)
11 - 1 1/2 tbsp runny honey (or maple syrup)
12 - 1/4 tsp cinnamon
13 - Pinch of salt

→ Dressing

14 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
15 - 2 tbsp honey
16 - 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
17 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
18 - 1/4 tsp allspice powder
19 - 1/4 tsp ginger powder
20 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Toss pumpkin with 1 tbsp olive oil, cinnamon, all spice and salt.
02 - Heat a large non-stick skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half the pumpkin in a single layer. Cook for 3 minutes until golden, then turn and cook another 3 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and let cool until just warm. Repeat with remaining pumpkin, adding more oil if needed.
03 - Place walnuts in a bowl, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon and salt. Mix well and spread on a paper-lined baking tray.
04 - Bake at 180°C/350°F (160°C fan) for 15 minutes, tossing once halfway. Allow to cool, then break into slightly smaller pieces using your fingers.
05 - Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well until emulsified.
06 - Place lentils, rocket, red onion, thyme and roasted pumpkin in a large bowl. Pour over most of the dressing, then gently toss to combine.
07 - Pile the salad onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with candied walnuts. Drizzle with remaining dressing just before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Canned lentils work best for this recipe, but you can substitute with 2 cups of cooked dried lentils if preferred.
02 - Plain walnuts can be used instead of honey-glazed if desired.