Sweet Rice Pilaf in Pumpkin – A Taste of Childhood

Sweet rice pilaf cooked inside a pumpkin is a nostalgic and heartwarming dish, often bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. The combination of tender pumpkin flesh, sweet dried fruits, and fluffy rice makes this a perfect comfort food with a twist. This recipe is an excellent choice for family dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want to try something unique yet rooted in tradition. With natural sweetness from raisins, cranberries, apricots, honey, and sugar, this sweet pilaf is packed with flavors and aromas that will take you back to the kitchen of your childhood.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  1. Pumpkin – 2.7 kg
  2. Rice – 500 g
  3. Turmeric – a pinch
  4. Raisins – 150 g
  5. Cranberries – 100 g
  6. Dried Apricots – 100 g
  7. Sugar – 100 g
  8. Honey – 120 g
  9. Butter – 50 g
  10. Salt – a pinch
  11. Water – 2 liters

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Carefully cut the top off the pumpkin to create a lid. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits from inside the pumpkin. Set aside the pumpkin for later, as it will serve as both the cooking vessel and part of the final dish.
  • Save the pumpkin top to use as a lid during baking.

Step 2: Rinse and Cook the Rice

  • Rinse 500 g of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of turmeric for a lovely golden color.
  • Cook the rice until it’s half-cooked (about 7-10 minutes). It should still have a firm bite, as it will finish cooking inside the pumpkin. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dried Fruits

  • While the rice is cooking, prepare the dried fruits. Soak 150 g of raisins, 100 g of cranberries, and 100 g of dried apricots in warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain the water and chop the dried apricots into small pieces.
  • These dried fruits will add natural sweetness and texture to the pilaf, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Pilaf

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the half-cooked rice with the soaked raisins, cranberries, and chopped dried apricots.
  • Add 100 g of sugar, 120 g of honey, and a pinch of salt to the rice mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the sweetness evenly.
  • Finally, add 50 g of softened butter to the rice mixture and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5: Fill the Pumpkin

  • Place the prepared pumpkin on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Carefully spoon the rice and fruit mixture into the pumpkin, filling it to the top.
  • Once filled, cover the pumpkin with its own top, which you set aside earlier.

Step 6: Bake the Pumpkin

  • Transfer the filled pumpkin to the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours at 180°C (350°F). Baking times will vary depending on the size of your pumpkin, so check for tenderness by inserting a knife into the pumpkin flesh. When it’s fully baked, the pumpkin should be soft, but still hold its shape.
  • Remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serving:

To serve, carefully slice the pumpkin into large portions. Scoop out the sweet rice pilaf along with tender bits of the pumpkin flesh, as they complement each other perfectly. The dish can be served as a dessert, a side dish, or even as a main course for a unique and satisfying meal.


Cooking Tips:

  1. Choose the Right Pumpkin: Pick a pumpkin that is large and round with a sturdy outer skin. Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins work best because they have sweet, tender flesh.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Rice: The rice should be only half-cooked before adding it to the pumpkin, as it will finish cooking while the pumpkin bakes.
  3. Substitute Dried Fruits: If you don’t have cranberries or apricots, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like dates, figs, or even dried cherries.
  4. Adjust Sweetness: You can modify the amount of sugar and honey according to your taste preference. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the sugar by half.
  5. Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil, which adds a nice aromatic flavor to the dish.

Storage:

Store any leftover sweet pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also freeze portions of the pilaf for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 76g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 40g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

FAQs:

  1. Can I use another grain instead of rice? Yes, you can substitute the rice with other grains like quinoa, bulgur, or millet. However, the cooking time and water ratio might differ slightly, so adjust accordingly.
  2. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil and using agave syrup instead of honey, you can make this dish entirely vegan.
  3. What can I serve with this sweet pilaf? This pilaf pairs beautifully with yogurt or a light salad on the side. It can also be served as a dessert after a savory meal.
  4. Can I prepare the dish in advance? You can prepare the rice and fruit filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply fill the pumpkin and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

Conclusion:

Sweet rice pilaf in pumpkin is a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. The beautiful presentation of serving it in a whole pumpkin makes it an excellent choice for festive gatherings or family meals. The balance of sweetness from the honey and sugar, combined with the heartiness of the rice and dried fruits, creates a flavor that feels both nostalgic and comforting. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and bring back fond memories with its simple, yet decadent flavors. Enjoy this heartwarming dish, whether it’s for a special holiday meal or a cozy autumn evening.