Description
Lamb & Pumpkin Twists are flaky puff pastry bites filled with spiced ground lamb, roasted pumpkin, and warm autumn flavors—perfect for fall gatherings or as a Thanksgiving appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped dried apricots (or golden raisins)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté onion, garlic, and diced pumpkin until softened and golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices.
- Push vegetables to the side and add ground lamb. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, dried apricots, and thyme. Cook for 2–3 more minutes. Add feta (if using) and honey/maple syrup (if using), then remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- On a floured surface, roll out puff pastry and cut into strips (approx. 3-inch wide).
- Spoon filling along one edge of each strip, roll or fold over, and twist gently. Pinch edges closed.
- Whisk egg with milk or cream and brush over the top of each twist.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb with beef or turkey.
- Use canned pumpkin puree if fresh is unavailable (reduce moisture in filling).
- These can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking.
- Great served warm with yogurt dipping sauce or on a fall-themed snack board.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
Keywords: Lamb & Pumpkin Twists, fall appetizer, puff pastry lamb, savory pumpkin pastry, Thanksgiving appetizers
