Pumpkin with sweet rice

6 servings

80 minutes

Pumpkin with sweet rice is a magical dish of Russian cuisine that combines the autumn warmth of pumpkin and the spicy richness of Eastern spices. The recipe's origins trace back to the traditions of baking pumpkin with fillings popular among Slavic peoples. Tender rice soaked in aromatic syrup with saffron, cinnamon, and cloves acquires a soft sweetness complemented by apples, raisins, and almonds. This dessert not only delights the eye with its golden shell but also brings comfort and pleasure with every bite. It is served hot, topped with whipped cream, enhancing the flavor even more. Ideal for festive dinners or cozy family gatherings, it leaves warm memories of home comfort and cozy aromas.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 915.5
• Proteins: 16.9g
• Fats: 23.5g
• Carbohydrates: 182.4g

Ingredients

• Rice: 250 g
• Apple: 4 pc
• Sugar: 350 g
• Water: 1 l
• Saffron: 1 tsp
• Melted butter: 3 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
• Carnation: 6 pc
• Cardamom: 6 pc
• Bay leaf: 3 pc
• Almond flakes: 50 g
• Raisin: 50 g
• Prunes: 50 g
• Pumpkin: 1 pc

Cooking steps

1. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Cover the empty pumpkin with a lid and place it in the oven at medium temperature.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 1 piece

2. Wash the rice, peel the apples, and cut them.

   Required ingredients:

   • Rice: 250 g
   • Apple: 4 pieces

3. Prepare the syrup. For this, boil a liter of water, add sugar and half of the saffron, and simmer for 30 minutes. The water should reduce by two-thirds.

   Required ingredients:

   • Water: 1 l
   • Sugar: 350 g
   • Saffron: 1 teaspoon

4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pot, add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Fry for 1-2 minutes, then add rice. Fry while stirring for another 3-5 minutes. Add half a liter of hot water and bring to a boil. Add the remaining saffron, cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Melted butter: 3 tablespoons
   • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
   • Carnation: 6 pieces
   • Cardamom: 6 pieces
   • Bay leaf: 3 pieces
   • Rice: 250 g
   • Water: 1 l
   • Saffron: 1 teaspoon

5. Remove the rice from the heat. Make a dent in it and add chopped apples, raisins, and almonds. Cover the dent with rice and pour syrup on top.

   Required ingredients:

   • Apple: 4 pieces
   • Raisin: 50 g
   • Almond flakes: 50 g
   • Sugar: 350 g

6. Cook the mixture covered for another 10 minutes until the rice is ready.

7. By this time, the pumpkin will be cooked. Carefully take it out of the oven and fill it with the prepared rice filling. Close the pumpkin with the lid and bake in the oven for another 5 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 1 piece

8. Serve with whipped cream.