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Pumpkin Rice

Pumpkin Rice
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Pumpkin Rice is a comforting, nutritious dish that blends creamy pumpkin with fluffy long-grain rice and aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a warm autumnal flavor and is perfect as a versatile side or a wholesome main meal, ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain or basmati rice
  • 2 cups fresh pumpkin, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Peel and dice fresh pumpkin into small, even cubes to ensure quick, uniform cooking. This fresh pumpkin will release natural moisture and sweetness into the rice as it cooks.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant but not browned. This base creates a savory layer beneath the pumpkin and rice.
  3. Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the diced pumpkin along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook gently for a few minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the pumpkin to soften slightly.
  4. Combine Rice and Broth: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the spiced pumpkin mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly. Let it cook undisturbed for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
  6. Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Then, fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate any remaining pumpkin pieces evenly.

Notes

  • Choose the right rice: Long-grain varieties yield fluffy, distinct grains that complement the creamy pumpkin texture.
  • Don’t skip rinsing: Washing rice removes excess starch, preventing gumminess and keeping the dish light.
  • Use fresh pumpkin: For the best flavor and texture, avoid canned substitutes when possible.
  • Toast spices first: Lightly warming spices in the pan releases deeper flavors before adding liquid ingredients.
  • Rest before serving: Allowing the rice to sit off heat helps the moisture redistribute, improving the overall texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin rice, autumn recipe, vegetarian, gluten free, comfort food, easy dinner, healthy rice dish, fall cooking

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/pumpkin-rice/