Southwestern Chillied Pumpkin Vinaigrette

Pumpkin and mild chilli, thyme and lots of garlic, all splashed with olive oil and vinegar, combine in this absolutely delicious dish, whose sophisticated flavour belies its simple preparation. I’m not sure of its origin. It’s not an authentic dish from anywhere in particular; rather, something I began making several years ago in Italy. It evolved through my Californian kitchen, and here in London I find excellent pumpkins for this dish: meaty and full of flavour rather than watery. They ar