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Patina de Cucurbitis (A Dish of Melon)
Patina de Cucurbitis (A Dish of Melon) is a traditional Ancient Roman recipe for a classic dish of stewed and then roasted pumpkin. Originally green Chinese melon or edible gourd would have been used, as this is the only squash variety native to the Old World, but you can use butternut squash or pumpkin if you prefer. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Ancient Roman version of: Patina de Cucurbitis (A Dish of Melon).
prep time
20 minutes
cook time
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Serves:
4
Rating: 
Tags : Vegetarian RecipesSpice RecipesVegetable RecipesBaking RecipesAncient Roman Recipes
Original Recipe
Patina de Cucurbitis: Cucurbitis elixas et frictas in patina compones, cuminatum superfundes, modico oleo super adiecto. Fervere facias et inferes.
Translation
A dish of melon is made thus: stewed and mashed melon or gourd is placed in the pan and seasoned with a little cumin essence. Add a little oil; heat [bake] and serve.
Ingredients:
1kg melon/gourd flesh (Chinese Green melon or edible gourd for authenticity, but butternut squash or pumpkin also work well)
1 tbsp
cumin seeds
freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
olive oil
Method:
Peel the squash, de-seed and chop. Place in a pan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Drain well then place in a sieve and set over the sink to drain completely. Transfer to a bowl and mash until smooth.
Meanwhile, grind he cumin seeds in pestle and mortar. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a pan and sprinkle the ground cumin over the top. Fry for 2 minutes then pass through a fine-meshed sieve. Stir the resultant oil into the mashed squash. Transfer the squash to a well-greased baking tin and press down to firm. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and season with freshly-ground black pepper.
Transfer to an oven pre-heated to 180°C and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top of the pie is beginning to colour. Serve hot as an accompaniment.
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