Description
This easy pumpkin rice recipe combines creamy pumpkin, aromatic spices, and coconut milk to create a comforting and flavorful one-pot side dish perfect for fall. With tender vegetables, perfectly cooked long-grain rice, and a rich blend of seasonings, this dish is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons of neutral oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds of pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Liquids and Broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 2 bouillon cubes
Grains
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot with a lid, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables begin to slightly char, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Wash the Rice: While the vegetables are cooking, rinse the rice thoroughly. Place the raw rice in a large bowl filled with water, use your hands to move it around, then drain the cloudy water. Repeat this washing process until the water runs mostly clear, then drain the rice in a colander and set aside.
- Add Spices and Pumpkin: Once the vegetables start to char, sprinkle in the allspice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 20 to 30 seconds to release the spices’ aromas. Add the cubed pumpkin and stir until well combined with the vegetables and spices.
- Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, water, and drop in the bouillon cubes. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the washed rice. Stir the rice into the liquid thoroughly, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer and Rest: Allow the rice to cook covered for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, do not lift the lid. Let the pot sit undisturbed for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking and fully absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Carefully lift the lid and gently mix the rice and pumpkin mixture. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional Additional Cooking: If the rice is slightly undercooked, cover again and let it rest for another 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches a creamy and rich texture.
Notes
- This one-pot pumpkin rice uses a combination of vegetable stock from bouillon cubes and creamy coconut milk along with fresh pumpkin for a flavorful and comforting fall side dish.
- Washing the rice thoroughly is key to achieving fluffy rice with a good texture.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking and resting times to ensure proper steaming and absorption of flavors.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking to suit your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 726
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1391 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.04 g
- Carbohydrates: 102 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
