Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll is appetising but also light! You will suddenly fall in love with its creamy and tasty stuff!

It is a complete and balanced dish, handy to bring at work as lunch box! It can also be prepared as starter.

We can prepare the roll in advance and serve it at room temperature or lightly warmed up.

To realise this recipe we need a pumpkin with a compact and firm pulp. One of the possible pumpkin types is the Mantovana. However, the Hokkaido one is a very good match, too. I can find it quite easily and it is delicious.

Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll

Ingredients:

• 350 g of pumpkin pulp;
• 100 g of ricotta cheese;
• 1/2 leek;
• 3 slices of ham;
• 200 g of couscous;
• 250 ml of water or vegetables broth;
• flour a.r.;
• 1 teaspoon of curry;
• 1 teaspoon of oregano;
• oil, salt and pepper.

Preparing the Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll

Preparing the filling

Cut the pumpkin pulp in cubes; steam it until it is soft. Transfer in a bowl and let it cool.

Add the ricotta cheese. Blend until a uniform and soft puree is obtained. Season with salt and pepper. Flavour with curry and oregano.

Slice the leek. In a non-stick pan warm a spoon of oil and let the leek sweat for a couple of minutes.

Preparing the couscous roll

In the meantime, prepare the couscous: in a pot bring to boil the water with a pinch of salt (or the broth). Put the couscous in another pot.

When the water (or the broth) begins to boil, pour it onto the couscous. Close the pot with a lid and let the couscous absorb the water for about 5-10 minutes.

When the time is over, shell the couscous using a fork. Transfer it in a bowl and knead it with your hands until a uniform mass is obtained.

Lightly flour a surface. Transfer the couscous mass onto this surface.

Using a rolling pin, roll it out to a rectangular shape of even thickness of about 3-4 mm.

Assembling the Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll

Line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange 3 slices of ham one next to another.

Arrange gently the couscous rectangle onto the ham.

Spread the couscous surface with the pumpkin puree and the sliced leek.

Roll the couscous from one of the longest sides, we can help us with the baking paper.

Cooking the Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll

Preheat the oven to 180° C in convection mode.

Cook the couscous roll until the ham is lightly brown. Take it out of the oven and let it cool.

Slice the Pumpkin Leek Couscous Roll using a knife with a serrated blade.

Enjoy your meal!