Il Cucinologo
EN

Stuffed Pumpkin

17/11/2023

Stuffed pumpkin is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for the autumn and winter seasons. Now I will present you with a recipe that can be customized according to your tastes and preferences. For an all-Italian touch, we will incorporate ingredients typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium pumpkin (such as the Delica or butternut variety)
  • 200 g rice (preferably Carnaroli or Arborio)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Vegetable broth as needed
  • 100 g pancetta, cubed (optional for a vegetarian version)
  • 100 g grated Parmesan
  • 50 g butter
  • Fresh sage
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper as needed
  • (Optional) mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, mushrooms or peppers) cut into pieces

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the seeds and internal fibers with a spoon. If desired, lightly score the inside with a knife and season with oil, salt and pepper.
  3. Place the pumpkin and its “lid” on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-30 minutes, until the flesh begins to soften but the pumpkin still holds its shape.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Sauté the chopped onion in a little oil and, if using pancetta, add it now until it becomes crispy.
  5. Add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes. Then begin adding the vegetable broth a little at a time, as for a risotto, cooking and stirring constantly.
  6. If you opt for additional vegetables, cook them separately and then incorporate them into the risotto almost at the end of cooking.
  7. When the rice is al dente, turn off the heat, add the butter, Parmesan and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Remove the pumpkin from the oven, fill it with the risotto, add a few sage leaves for aroma and replace the cut top like a lid.
  9. Bake the stuffed pumpkin again for another 10-15 minutes, so that the flavors meld well.
  10. Serve the stuffed pumpkin hot, cutting it into wedges or allowing guests to serve themselves directly at the table.

Fun Facts

Pumpkin is used in countless ways in cooking and, in addition to being delicious, it is also very healthy, being rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, important for eye and skin health. The use of stuffed pumpkin is widespread in various culinary traditions, often with fillings that vary according to cultures and seasonal availability. The Italian version often features risotto, highlighting the love for rice-based dishes.