Pasta bake with pumpkin and feta

Ingredients for 3 servings:

• 200 g macaroni or penne rigate, zitoni or similar
• 400 g pumpkin(s), prepared and weighed
• 150 g feta cheese
• 300 g Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp thyme, dried
• 1 clove(s) garlic or more
• 1 tsp oregano, dried
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• e.g. salt and pepper

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Rest time approx. 10 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 50 minutes; Total time approx. 1 hour 20 minutes

for an 18cm springform pan

Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water. Empty into a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Drain thoroughly, shaking the colander frequently. Peel the pumpkin, remove any fibers and seeds, and dice approximately 400g of flesh. Moisten with 1 tablespoon of water and steam in the microwave for approximately 8 minutes, until the pumpkin is soft, stirring once or twice. The cooking time is only a guideline and may vary depending on the type of pumpkin, microwave, and size of the cubes. Mash the soft pumpkin with a fork until smooth and allow to cool. Beat the eggs thoroughly and mix with the finely crumbled feta, yogurt, crushed garlic, spices, pumpkin puree, and herbs. Line the bottom of an 18cm springform pan with baking paper and grease the sides. Spread 1/4 of the pumpkin mixture on the bottom and spread 1/3 of the pasta on top. Place long noodles in a circle from the outside in, short noodles in one direction, and spread 1/4 of the pumpkin mixture on top of the noodles. Continue layering in this way and finish with the pumpkin mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (top/bottom heat) for about 50 minutes on the middle rack, until the pumpkin mixture has set. Let it set for a few minutes in the switched off oven with the oven door open before cutting. Loosen the sides of the casserole all around with a knife. Remove the rim of the springform pan and cut the casserole into portions. Serve hot with salad. This quantity is enough for 3-4 people, depending on your appetite. Every oven bakes differently, so it’s best to check occasionally and adjust the cooking time according to your personal experience.