Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice: Step-By-Step Recipe

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Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cosy family dinner. This recipe combines the rich flavours of tender pumpkin, savoury rice, and aromatic herbs and spices to create a mouth-watering meal. This recipe will leave your taste buds craving for more.

The pumpkin is first hollowed out and then filled with a delicious mixture of cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and flavourful seasonings. The pumpkin is then baked in the oven until it is tender. The rice filling is well-cooked and infused with the sweet, earthy flavours of the pumpkin.

In addition, the dish is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The golden-brown pumpkin is the centrepiece of the table. When you cut it, the steam escapes, releasing the tantalizing aroma of the savoury rice filling. The dish is both comforting and impressive. It is the perfect addition to any family gathering or dinner party.

If you’re looking for a delicious and stunning dish then look no further than this recipe!

What Is Stuffing Of Pumpkin With Rice?

It is a dish in which pumpkin, is stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The pumpkin is then baked until the rice is well cooked and the pumpkin is tender.

The filling for the stuffed pumpkin can vary based on personal preferences. But some common ingredients include onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery, mushrooms, and herbs such as thyme and sage. It also includes spices such as cumin and paprika. The rice used can be any variety, such as white, brown, or wild rice.

To prepare Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice, you would start by cutting off the top of the pumpkin. And then scooping out the seeds and strings from the inside. Then, you would mix together the rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Then stuff the mixture into the pumpkin. The pumpkin is then baked in the oven until the rice is well cooked and the pumpkin is tender.

Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish. It is perfect for a vegetarian or vegan meal. you can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish for a festive meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice recipe is a popular dish that works for several reasons:

Versatility: Firstly, you can use different types of rice, spices, vegetables, and meats to create a dish that suits your taste buds.

Nutrition: Secondly, pumpkins are a great source of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The rice provides carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. This recipe combines both to create a healthy, balanced meal.

Presentation: Thirdly, the stuffed pumpkin makes for an impressive presentation on the table. It is perfect for special occasions or gatherings.

Flavourful: Fourthly, the combination of rice, spices, and pumpkin creates a delicious and satisfying meal. The rice absorbs the flavours of the pumpkin, herbs, and spices, resulting in a savoury and fragrant dish.

Ease of preparation: Lastly, it may take some time to bake the pumpkin. But the preparation itself is simple and straightforward. The recipe does not need any complicated techniques or equipment. It makes it accessible to even novice cooks.

Our Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice recipe works because it is versatile, nutritious, and flavourful. It is also very easy to prepare.

Ingredients Required to Make Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice

¾ cup Rice: You can use any type of rice; I just used white rice. According to the directions on the rice packet, alter the cooking periods if using wild or red rice.

1 ½ cup Vegetables: To add flavour, texture, and colour, you can use spinach, onion, and garlic.

1.5 kg Pumpkin: Choose a culinary/cooking pumpkin rather than a carving pumpkin. This is because it is smaller, has more flavour, denser pulp, and is brighter in colour.

1 cup Cranberries: To add a sweet and tart flavour to a stuffed pumpkin and provide a festive touch to the dish.

½ cup Pumpkin seeds: You can substitute chopped pecans for pumpkin seeds.

1 ½ tablespoon Feta: A delightful counterpoint to the sweet components. This will help to add a salty and tangy flavour and a creamy texture to the dish.

1 tablespoon Apricot jam: Apricot jam adds a delicious fruity sweetness to a savoury dish, which is a little unusual. It makes a lovely match with the spices. Apple or mango chutneys are appropriate replacements.

½ tablespoon Spices: You can use only one type of paprika; I used both hot and sweet varieties.

Oil: Cook the onion mixture and coat the pumpkin with the help of olive oil.

Seasoning: Use plenty of seasoning.

Tools Required to Make Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice

To make Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice, you will need the following tools:

Large baking dish: You will need a large baking dish to accommodate the size of the pumpkin. Make sure the dish is deep enough to hold the pumpkin and any extra stuffing.

Sharp knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and pulp from the inside. A sharp knife will make the job easier and safer.

Spoon: You will need a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of the pumpkin. A large spoon will work best.

Cutting board: You will need a cutting board to place the pumpkin on while you cut it and scoop out the seeds and pulp.

Saucepan: You will need a saucepan to cook the rice and any other ingredients that you plan to add to the stuffing.

Mixing bowl: You will need a mixing bowl to combine the cooked rice with the other ingredients for the stuffing.

Measuring cups and spoons: You will need Measuring cups and spoons to measure the rice, water, and other ingredients.

Aluminium foil: You will need aluminium foil to cover the pumpkin while it bakes in the oven. This will help the pumpkin to cook well and prevent it from drying out.

Oven mitts: You will need oven mitts to handle the hot baking dish and to remove the pumpkin from the oven.

Serving spoon: Finally, You will need a serving spoon to scoop the stuffing out of the pumpkin and onto plates.

Making Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice requires basic kitchen tools. Tools are likely already present in your kitchen.

Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice Recipe

Our incredible Stuffed Pumpkin with Rice recipe brings together warming spices, crunchy pumpkin seeds and tangy and sweet cranberries making it the most beautiful centrepiece for your dinner table!

Servings: 5 Prep Time: 12 minutes Cook Time: 1 hr 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hr 27 minutes Course: Main Course Calories: 313 kcal

Roast Pumpkin: To roast a pumpkin, preheat the oven to 375°F, 190°C or gas mark 5. Roast the pumpkin for 45 minutes, working your way outward. Without turning off the oven, remove the baking sheet and set aside. Keep the liquids that will have amassed inside the pumpkin.

Mixture: Prepare the filling mixture while the pumpkin is cooking.

Cook rice: Cook rice by putting it in a medium-sized pot with the stock, covering it, and bringing it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Add the apricot jam after turning the heat off.

Cook onion: Large nonstick skillet with 1 tablespoon of oil on the hob. Add the onion and garlic once it begins to soften. Cook over low heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring constantly. After adding, cook the spinach for approximately a minute, or until it has wilted. Eliminate the heat.

Mix ingredients: Gather the cooked rice, spinach mixture, feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and seasonings together. Remember to add the pumpkin juice you set aside. Make any necessary seasoning adjustments after thoroughly mixing.

Stuff pumpkin: Place the filling mixture inside the pumpkin and top with the “lid.”

Bake the stuffed pumpkin: Check with a fork to see if the pumpkin is soft after 30 minutes of rewarming. Five minutes after removing the dish from the oven, serve.

Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice: Nutritional Information

Calories: 313 kcal

Carbohydrates: 58 g

Protein: 9 g

Fat: 11 g

Tips To Make The Best Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice

Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice is a delicious and impressive dish. This dish is perfect for fall or winter. Here are some tips to help you make the best Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice:

Choose the right pumpkin: Look for a pumpkin that’s about 8-10 inches in diameter and has a flat bottom, so it can sit upright in the oven. Sugar pumpkins, also known as pie pumpkins, are a good choice. Sugar pumpkins have dense, sweet pulp that’s perfect for stuffing.

Cook the rice first: Cook the rice in a separate utensil before stuffing it into the pumpkin. This way, you can control the texture and seasoning of the rice, and it will cook well in the pumpkin.

Use flavourful ingredients: The stuffing is the star of this dish. So use flavourful ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. It will enhance the flavour of the rice.

Add some protein: To make the dish more filling, you can add some protein to the stuffing. Cooked sausage, ground beef, or chopped chicken are all great options.

Don’t overstuff the pumpkin: Be careful not to overstuff the pumpkin, or it may take longer to cook and the pumpkin may burst in the oven. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top of the pumpkin to allow for expansion.

Cover the pumpkin: Cover the pumpkin with foil or a lid during the first half of the cooking time to prevent the rice from drying out. Remove the cover for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the top of the rice to brown and become crispy.

Let it rest: Lastly, allow the pumpkin to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the flavours to meld together and the rice to set, making it easier to serve.

Storing & Freezing

Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice is a delicious and healthy dish that is less time-consuming. You can store it in the freezer or refrigerator for later use. Here are some tips for storing and freezing Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice:

Storing:

You can store the stuffed pumpkin in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. Make sure to let it cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container. It has a shelf life of 3-4 days when kept in the refrigerator.

Freezing:

Further, To freeze Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice, wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then place it in a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date and contents and then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

To reheat the Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, remove the plastic wrap or foil, place it in a baking dish, and cover it with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Safety:

Always make sure to follow food safety guidelines when storing and reheating. Maintain the internal temperature of 165°F while cooking this dish and cooled down fast. Store it in a proper way to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

How To Make A Stuffed Pumpkin?

To make stuffed pumpkin, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and pulp from the inside. In a saucepan, cook 1 cup of uncooked rice with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth until it’s tender. In a separate skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

In addition, fill the pumpkin with the rice mixture, replace the top of the pumpkin, and place it in a baking dish. Bake for 1-2 hours or until the pumpkin is tender and the rice is well cooked. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. In addition, customization is also possible with various ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, cheese, and more.

Is Pumpkin Rice Healthy?

Pumpkin rice can be a healthy dish depending on the preparation. Pumpkin is a nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and potassium. Brown rice, which often use to make pumpkin rice, is also a healthy source of carbohydrates and fiber.

But some recipes for pumpkin rice may be different. These recipes may include ingredients with high in calories, saturated fat, or sodium. Such ingredients are cream, cheese, or soy sauce. In addition, consider the size of pumpkin rice to ensure it fits within a balanced diet.

In addition, Pumpkin rice can be a nutritious and tasty dish. It can be more nutritious if made from healthy ingredients. You should consume it in moderation.

What Is Pumpkin Rice Made Of?

Pumpkin rice is a dish made from rice, cooked with pumpkin. It has various spices and seasonings that will give it a great flavour. The exact recipe can vary depending on the region and cultural tradition. It includes various ingredients, for example, diced pumpkin, onions, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

How Long To Bake Pumpkin?

The cooking time for baking pumpkin depends on various factors. Eg the size of the pumpkin, the temperature of the oven, and the recipe you are using. In general, baking a whole pumpkin at 350°F can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour until the pumpkin is tender.

In addition, if you are roasting pumpkin pieces or cubes, the cooking time will be shorter. It will usually take around 20-30 minutes at the same temperature.

In addition, it’s always a good idea to check the pumpkin for doneness by piercing it with a fork or knife. If it goes through easily and the pumpkin feels tender, then take it out of the oven.

Can I Lose Weight Eating Pumpkin?

Yes, incorporating pumpkin into your diet can aid in weight loss. This is due to its low calorie and high fiber content. Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It includes vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

The high fiber content of pumpkin can help to keep you feeling full for longer periods. It may help to reduce your calorie intake and lead to weight loss. Additionally, pumpkin is low in calories. It has approximately 50 calories per cup of cooked pumpkin.

In Conclusion

The Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish. This dish is perfect for a fall or winter meal. The recipe involves baking a pumpkin until it is tender. Then stuff it with a flavourful mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices.

In addition, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. It contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish with your favourite meat or fish.

Lastly, this Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavours of the season. It also incorporates healthy ingredients into your diet. In addition, it is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Have you tried this delicious recipe of Stuffed Pumpkin With Rice? Do let me know your experience in the comments section!