Pumpkin pilaf is a fragrant, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic spices, rice, and sometimes nuts or dried fruits. It’s a wonderful side dish or a vegetarian main course, perfect for fall. Here’s a recipe for making pumpkin pilaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups pumpkin (peeled, seeded, and diced into small cubes)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries, optional)
- ¼ cup nuts (like toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro)
Instructions:
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Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
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Cook the onion and garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Add the spices: Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
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Add the pumpkin: Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and stir to coat with the spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the pumpkin starts to soften.
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Add the rice and broth: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. If using dried fruit, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Fluff and serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and stir in any toasted nuts.
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Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm.
Variations:
- Add protein: Incorporate cooked chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken for added protein.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili for heat.
- Vegetable additions: You can also add other vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers, for added color and nutrients.
This pumpkin pilaf is a deliciously warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy dinner option! Enjoy!
