Pumpkin Rice
Pumpkin Rice is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish combining tender long-grain rice with sweet, earthy pumpkin puree. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a side dish or main course, delivering the cozy spirit of fall with a vibrant color and rich nutrients in every bite.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American / Fall Seasonal
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegetable broth and olive oil)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup fresh pumpkin puree
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, creating a sweet and mellow base. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Combine Rice and Pumpkin: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the pumpkin puree and mix well so the rice starts absorbing the flavors and colors.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, and optionally cinnamon or nutmeg. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to allow steam to cook the rice properly.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for five minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and release steam, then serve warm and inviting.
Notes
- Use freshly made pumpkin puree for brighter flavor compared to canned pumpkin.
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier texture.
- Simmer on low heat gently to avoid mushy rice and maximize pumpkin flavor infusion.
- Do not skip resting time; it improves texture and even cooking.
- Experiment with warming spices such as allspice, cloves, or ginger for unique variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pumpkin rice, fall recipe, comfort food, gluten free, vegetarian, easy side dish, seasonal, pumpkin puree