Stuffed pumpkin is a delightful, hearty, and warming dish that combines tender pumpkin with a savory minced meat filling, seasoned with herbs and spices. This recipe transforms a simple pumpkin into a beautiful, edible serving dish filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect choice for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. Complemented by a creamy garlic sauce, this dish is not just delicious but also visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or looking for a creative way to use seasonal produce, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike. Let’s dive into the details!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Pumpkin:
Pumpkin: 1 medium-sized
Onion: 1, finely chopped
Carrot: 1, grated
Minced meat: 500 g (17 oz) (beef, pork, or a mix)
Salt: To taste
Black pepper: To taste
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon, finely chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Parsley: A handful, finely chopped
Cheese: 100 g (about 1 cup), grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
Chicken egg: 1, beaten
Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Yogurt or sour cream: 4 tablespoons
Cucumber: 1, finely grated
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Dill: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
Salt and pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Clean and Hollow Out the Pumpkin:
Cut off the top of the pumpkin and set it aside. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous pulp, leaving enough flesh to hold the stuffing.
Brush the inside with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika for added flavor. Set the pumpkin on a baking tray.
Step 2: Prepare the Minced Meat Filling
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent.
Add the grated carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Minced Meat:
Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and rosemary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine the Filling:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a bowl. Add the grated cheese, chopped parsley, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Pumpkin
Fill the Pumpkin:
Carefully spoon the prepared meat filling into the hollowed-out pumpkin, pressing it down gently to fit as much filling as possible.
Bake the Stuffed Pumpkin:
Place the filled pumpkin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is cooked through.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
Add the Cheese Topping:
About 10 minutes before the pumpkin is done, sprinkle more grated cheese on top and let it melt and turn golden.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine yogurt or sour cream, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
Presentation:
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