Pumpkin pasta alla vodka

Cook the pumpkin for 15 mins in a steamer over boiling water, or cook in the microwave until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Blitz in a food processor or using a hand blender until smooth. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the sage for 30 seconds until crisp. Lift out of the oil using a slotted spoon and put on a plate lined with a sheet of kitchen paper to drain off the excess oil.

Fry the onion in the sage oil over a medium-low heat for 10 mins until softened but not golden. Stir in the garlic and chilli flakes, and cook for 1 min more. Set aside.

Cook the pasta following pack instructions, about 10 mins. Drain, reserving a mugful of the cooking water.

Meanwhile, put the onion mix back on the heat and stir in the tomato purée and vodka. Cook for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates, then stir in the pumpkin purée and double cream and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir into the cooked pasta along with enough of the pasta water to form a thick sauce. Top with the sage.