Pumpkin Gratin with Cheese Baskets and Chanterelle Sauce

This flavorful dish blends the sweetness of grilled pumpkin with the savory appetites of cheese baskets, complemented by a rich chanterelle mushroom sauce. The combination of soft pumpkin wedges and crispy cheese creates an enticing texture contrast that will delight your taste buds. Fresh rosemary and garlic infuse the pumpkin with aromatic notes, while the creamy chanterelle sauce adds an earthy richness. This recipe is perfect for showcasing seasonal ingredients and can easily be customized to suit different palates. Whether served as a main course or a decadent side dish, this dish will impress your guests with its unique flavor profile and stunning presentation. The cheese baskets act as edible bowls, adding an element of fun to your dining experience. The dish can be paired with a light salad or crusty bread to balance its richness. An excellent choice for autumn gatherings, this recipe combines comfort and elegance for a memorable meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g fresh pumpkin
• 300 g grated hard cheese (such as Gran Moravia, Gran Leo, or Parito)
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 2 cloves of garlic

For the Chanterelle Sauce

• 300 g fresh or frozen chanterelles
• 300 ml heavy cream (35%)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh herbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total: 30 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the pumpkin: Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into wedges.
2. Season the pumpkin: Sprinkle the wedges with salt, pepper, finely chopped garlic, and rosemary.
3. Grill the pumpkin: Place the seasoned pumpkin on the grill and cook on each side until tender.
4. Make the cheese baskets: Divide the grated cheese into four portions.
5. Shape the cheese: Place each portion on a sheet of baking paper, forming a circular shape.
6. Melt the cheese: Grill each cheese circle until the cheese melts completely.
7. Form the baskets: Invert four small bowls and place the melted cheese over them. Allow the cheese to cool and harden, taking the shape of the bowl.
8. Prepare the sauce: Heat oil in a pan and add butter. Sauté the chanterelles in the butter until golden.
9. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and cook over low heat until the sauce thickens.
10. Season the sauce: Add chopped herbs, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
11. Assemble the dish: Place grilled pumpkin wedges in the cheese baskets.
12. Serve with sauce: Generously pour chanterelle sauce over the pumpkin and cheese baskets.
13. Final touches: Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
14. Serve immediately: Ensure the dish is served warm for the best experience.
15. Tip: You can use other mushrooms if chanterelles are not available.
16. Substitution: Gran Moravia can be replaced with a similar hard cheese.
17. Perfect presentation: Use colorful herbs for a visually appealing dish.
18. Extra flavor: Roasting the pumpkin adds a deeper flavor dimension.
19. Variations: Incorporate additional spices based on your preference.
20. Enjoy your creation: Share this delightful meal with friends and family.

Tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh rosemary and garlic enhance the overall taste.
• Cheese choice: Aged cheeses work best for crispy baskets.
• Mushroom variety: Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms for the sauce.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 650 per serving
• Protein: 15 g
• Fats: 48 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy twist: Add chili flakes to the cheese for an extra kick.
• Different cheeses: Try using smoked cheese for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with: A fresh green salad or crusty bread.
• Wine pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Garnish: Finish with fresh parsley or chives for added aroma.

Best Places

• Café Pumpkin Delight - This cozy café is famed for its pumpkin-based dishes, offering a warm and inviting ambiance. Location: 123 Main Street, Dublin, Ireland.
• The Chanterelle House - Known for its extensive mushroom menu, this gastropub celebrates seasonal flavors. Location: 45 Forest Lane, Seattle, USA.
• Cheesy Bites Bistro - Specializing in cheese dishes, this bistro offers some of the best cheese bowls in town. Location: 78 Cheese Street, Paris, France.
• Grill Masters - A grill lover's paradise, offering an array of grilled delicacies. Location: 32 Smoked Avenue, Austin, USA.
• Herb & Soul - A must-visit for herb enthusiasts, this place highlights fresh herbs in every dish. Location: 54 Greenway Rd, Toronto, Canada.
• Mushroom Tavern - Known for its wild mushroom collection and innovative dishes, a treat for fungi lovers. Location: 87 Forest Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Savory Seasons - Features dishes that reflect the best of each season. Location: 91 Season St, Vienna, Austria.
• Spices & More - Offers a range of spice-infused dishes that breathe life into traditional recipes. Location: 29 Spice St, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Elegant Eats - Known for sophisticated dining, perfect for a special occasion. Location: 77 Royal Ave, London, UK.
• Fusion Bistro - Merges different cuisines to create exciting flavor combinations. Location: 12 Energy St, Singapore, Singapore.