Do you need a savoury brunch dish for the fall? I've one for you right here!

Pumpkin isn’t something I grew up eating a lot of, even though it’s an important vegetable in Zimbabwe. Of course, in the US, it's the symbol of fall, and over the past decade, I’ve come to embrace it.

I like other members of the gourd family such as butternut and acorn squash, but pumpkin has a subtly you can dress up nicely with a combination of herbs and spices. This lends itself well to a not-so-overpowering savoury galette! I recommend using a sugar pumpkin for this recipe, which is sweeter and less fibrous than some other types making them ideal for cooking.

The feta, sun-dried tomatoes and caramelized onion all add a different dimension to pack a flavourful punch. The onions add some sweetness and acidity - as do the tomatoes. The feta adds a tang and some creaminess, and the sage an earthy flavour with a hint of mint.

If you want to add meat, sauté some finely chopped bacon and mix it with the caramelized onion.

Ingredients

1 small sugar pumpkin

1 sprig fresh sage, chopped

2 tablespoons dried sage

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons black pepper

1/2 yellow onion

1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 cup feta cheese

1 pie crust, room temperature

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon cooking wine

1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce

1 tablespoon fenugreek powder

1 egg beaten + 1 teaspoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

Caramelize the onions. Place the sliced onions in a pan with the 1/4 cup of olive oil on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Season with fenugreek and the remaining salt and pepper, and reduce the temperature to low. Mix occasionally to prevent burning! As the onions soften and brown, after about 20 minutes, deglaze the pan with the tamari and cooking wine to add sugar aid with the caramelization. Add the garlic and sauté for another 5-10 minutes. Set aside. (These onions won't be perfectly caramelized as that can take up to an hour, but they will serve their purpose for the galette).

Roast the pumpkin. Slice it in half and remove the seeds and fibres, then slice into 1/2 inch pieces.

In a small container, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, chilli, dried sage, cumin, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. Brush the mix on both sides of the pumpkin slices. Bake at 425F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25 minutes. When halfway done, spray the pumpkin with cooking spray, then flip each piece over. Sprinkle with fresh sage and bake for the remaining time.

Roll out the pastry. Leave about 1- inches to fold over, then lay half of the tomatoes, feta and caramelized onions in the centre of the pastry. Mash the roasted pumpkin in a small container, season to taste with additional salt and pepper if necessary, then press on top with a fork. Add the rest of the cheese and onions on top.

Fold the sides of the pastry then brush with egg wash. Sprinkle some spices and dried sage over the crust if you wish, then bake at 400F for 25 minutes and until the crust is a golden tone.

Garnish with the rest of the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh sage. Serve immediately!