Jewelled pearl couscous-stuffed pumpkin

Discover a delectable fall dish with our Jewelled Pearl Couscous-Stuffed Pumpkin recipe! Bursting with flavors, this savory and sweet meal features tender pumpkin filled with a vibrant mix of couscous, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, pomegranate, and aromatic herbs. Topped with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing infused with lemon and honey, it's a perfect blend of textures and tastes for a unique and nutritious dinner. Impress your guests with this stunning presentation that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve!

  • 09 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 45 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 14 Ingredients

Jewelled pearl couscous-stuffed pumpkin

Jewelled pearl couscous-stuffed pumpkin is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a festive occasion or a special dinner. This recipe brings together a rich tapestry of tastes and textures, combining the nuttiness of pistachios, the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, and the aromatic allure of a spice mix stuffed inside a tender roasted pumpkin. It is both a visually stunning dish and a culinary delight that will satisfy both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients:

8 cups pumpkin
960g
1/4 cup olive oil
60g
1 tsp spice mix
5g
1 red onion
160g
3/4 cup couscous
170g
1 cup cherry tomatoes
180g
1/2 cup pistachio nuts
72g
1/2 cup pomegranate
72g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
1 cup spearmint
90g
3/4 cup greek yogurt
180g
2 tbsp lemon juice
10g
2 tsp honey
6g
2 garlic cloves
6g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Slice the top off the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and fibers from the inside.
- Rub the inside and cut surfaces of the pumpkin with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with the spice mix.
- Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender but still holds its shape. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Cook the Couscous:
- While the pumpkin is roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pearl couscous according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Dice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced red onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, pistachio nuts, pomegranate seeds, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Mix in the Fresh Ingredients:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped spearmint leaves. Set the mixture aside.
6. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
7. Stuff the Pumpkin:
- Turn the roasted pumpkin halves cut-side up.
- Spoon the couscous mixture into the pumpkin cavities, pressing gently to pack it in.
8. Bake Again:
- Return the stuffed pumpkins to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is heated through.
9. Serve:
- Remove the stuffed pumpkins from the oven.
- Serve each pumpkin half drizzled with the prepared yogurt sauce, and garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and fresh spearmint leaves if desired.

Tips:

- Make sure the pumpkin is tender before adding the stuffing by checking it with a fork.

- Toast the pistachio nuts slightly to enhance their flavor before adding them to the couscous.

- For the best results, use fresh pomegranate seeds to add a burst of freshness and color.

- Don't overcook the couscous to maintain its slightly chewy texture.

- Mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic well to create a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Let the stuffed pumpkin rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish with fresh spearmint just before serving for a refreshing touch.

Jewelled pearl couscous-stuffed pumpkin is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave a lasting impression. The combination of savory and sweet ingredients, enhanced by herbs and spices, creates a perfect balance that makes this dish truly special. Serve this as a main course or a centerpiece for your next gathering and enjoy the compliments from your guests!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size250 grams
Energy
Calories 160kcal6%
Protein
Protein 7g4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 22g6%
Fiber 2.98g8%
Sugar 9g9%
Fat
Fat 13g16%
Saturated 2.21g7%
Cholesterol 2.92mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 520ug58%
Choline 24mg4%
Vitamin B1 0.17mg14%
Vitamin B2 0.24mg18%
Vitamin B3 1.30mg8%
Vitamin B6 0.26mg15%
Vitamin B9 40ug10%
Vitamin B12 0.17ug7%
Vitamin C 18mg19%
Vitamin E 1.69mg11%
Vitamin K 6ug5%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 70mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.33mg0%
Iron, Fe 1.57mg14%
Magnesium, Mg 36mg8%
Phosphorus, P 150mg12%
Potassium, K 720mg21%
Selenium, Se 10ug18%
Sodium, Na 12mg1%
Zinc, Zn 0.89mg8%
Water
Water 190g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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