Pumpkin and potato casserole

Pumpkin and Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs the sweetness of pumpkin with the heartiness of potatoes. It's a great side dish for fall or a wholesome vegetarian main course. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (about 450g) diced pumpkin (peeled and cubed)
• 2 cups (about 450g) diced potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or dried rosemary)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs (for topping, optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the diced pumpkin and potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.

3. Prepare the Onion and Garlic:

   • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

4. Mash or Puree:

   • Mash the pumpkin and potatoes together in the pot until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a hand blender for this step.

5. Make the Cream Sauce:

   • Stir the cooked onions and garlic into the mashed vegetables.
   • Add the heavy cream or milk and mix until well combined and creamy.
   • Stir in the shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish:

   • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Add Topping:

   • If using, sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

8. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

9. Cool and Garnish:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Vegetables: Ensure the pumpkin and potatoes are well-drained after cooking to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor.
• Bread Crumbs: For a crispy topping, mix the bread crumbs with a little melted butter before adding them on top.

Pumpkin and Potato Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the creamy texture of potatoes with the sweet and savory flavor of pumpkin. It's perfect for a cozy meal and makes a great addition to holiday gatherings!