Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Bowl with Apple, Walnuts & Dijon Vinaigrette

Roast Pumpkin:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Wash the fresh produce. Cut pumpkin into 2 cm pieces (peeling is optional). Drizzle pumpkin with olive oil, toss with cumin & smoked paprika to coat and season with salt and pepper. Place pumpkin on a lined baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes, until tender.

Cook Quinoa:

Meanwhile; place quinoa into fine sieve/colander and rinse well under cold water. Place quinoa in a pot with 1 cup of water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until all liquid has been soaked up and quinoa is tender and fluffy.

Prepare Remaining Ingredients:

Remove stems on kale and roughly chop. Finely chop chives. Cut apple in half, remove and discard seeds then thinly slice. (TIP: If you prefer, you can add the kale to the quinoa towards the end of the cooking time, to allow it to wilt slightly).

Dry Toast Walnuts:

Add walnuts to a dry pan over medium heat. Toast, tossing, 3 - 4 minutes or until lightly golden. (TIP: Be careful not to burn the walnuts). Remove from heat.

Make Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl (jug) combine Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and 2 - 3 TBS olive oil (extra virgin if you have it). Mix well. (TIP: If you have a clean, empty jar - chuck all of the ingredients in there and give it a good shake).

You Plate It:

Add chives (reserving some for garnish), pepitas and cranberries to the cooked quinoa, mix through and adjust seasoning as necessary. Divide kale between bowls and top with roasted pumpkin, quinoa, sliced apple and toasted walnuts. Drizzle vinaigrette over the top and garnish with any remaining chives. Enjoy!