Ingredients:
- 1 small pumpkin
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Start by preparing the pumpkin. Wash it thoroughly, then cut off the top to create a lid. Scoop out the seeds and the stringy flesh from the center using a spoon. Set aside the lid and clean pumpkin.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they become fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the rice, salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well to coat the rice with the seasonings and let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to absorb the flavors.
5. Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the rice is partially cooked.
6. Meanwhile, grease a baking dish that will comfortably fit the pumpkin. Carefully place the cleaned pumpkin into the dish.
7. Once the rice is partially cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the rice mixture into the hollowed pumpkin. Fill it up but leave some space, as the rice will continue to cook and expand during the baking process.
8. Place the pumpkin lid back on top and place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pumpkin is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
9. Once the pumpkin is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish if desired.
10. Serve the pumpkin with rice as a main dish or as a delightful side dish to complement your meal. Enjoy!
With just a handful of ingredients and a simple procedure, you can create a delicious pumpkin with rice dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for those looking to explore unique combinations and add a touch of autumn to their table. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside your favorite protein, this pumpkin with rice recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let your taste buds take a delightful journey!