Middle eastern stuffed butternut pumpkin

Delight in the flavors of the Middle East with this stuffed butternut pumpkin recipe. Aromatic lamb mince, spiced to perfection, is combined with fluffy brown rice and zesty lemon juice, all nestled within roasted pumpkin. A dollop of Greek yogurt brings it all together in a healthy, hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish is sure to impress!

  • 11 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 120 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Middle eastern stuffed butternut pumpkin

Middle Eastern stuffed butternut pumpkin is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the rich flavors of spiced lamb and savory rice. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings a taste of the Middle East to your table. Packed with wholesome ingredients like lamb, pumpkin, and Greek yogurt, this dish is a delicious and nutritious meal that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

8 cups pumpkin
960g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 onion
160g
1 lb lamb mince
450g
1 tbsp spice mix
16g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 cup brown rice
230g
2 tbsp lemon juice
30g
1.50 cups greek yogurt
360g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the pumpkin into approximately 1-inch cubes.
- Place pumpkin on a baking sheet, drizzle with half the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Brown Rice:
- While the pumpkin is roasting, cook the brown rice according to the package instructions. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the lamb mince to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until the lamb is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the spice mix and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Mix in the cooked brown rice and lemon juice, ensuring everything is well combined.
4. Stuff the Pumpkin:
- Once the pumpkin cubes have cooled slightly, gently mix them into the lamb and rice mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into your serving dish.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt on top or on the side.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Tips:

- Prepping the Pumpkin: Make sure to roast the pumpkin halves until they are tender but not falling apart; this makes scooping out the flesh easier while keeping the pumpkin sturdy enough to hold the stuffing.

- Spice Mix: Use a spice mix that complements the lamb, such as a combination of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika, to bring out the rich flavors of the Middle Eastern cuisine.

- Cooking the Rice: Cook the brown rice until it is just tender but not mushy. You want the rice to maintain its structure so it blends well with the lamb mince without getting too soft.

- Combining Flavors: Let the flavors meld by allowing the stuffed pumpkin to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the spices and juices to permeate through the filling.

- Serving Suggestions: Serve the stuffed pumpkin with a side of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of lemon juice for added tanginess. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint can also elevate the dish.

This Middle Eastern stuffed butternut pumpkin dish is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds satisfied. The tender pumpkin filled with spiced lamb and rice creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and savory goodness. Serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing touch. Enjoy this delectable dish as a main course for a special dinner or a festive gathering.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size560 grams
Energy
Calories 700kcal28%
Protein
Protein 33g23%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 70g19%
Fiber 4.09g11%
Sugar 13g13%
Fat
Fat 36g43%
Saturated 15g49%
Cholesterol 90mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 1020ug114%
Choline 130mg23%
Vitamin B1 0.60mg50%
Vitamin B2 0.82mg63%
Vitamin B3 12mg76%
Vitamin B6 0.69mg41%
Vitamin B9 90ug21%
Vitamin B12 3.29ug137%
Vitamin C 27mg31%
Vitamin E 3.14mg21%
Vitamin K 7ug6%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 170mg13%
Copper, Cu 0.63mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.56mg41%
Magnesium, Mg 130mg32%
Phosphorus, P 600mg48%
Potassium, K 1420mg42%
Selenium, Se 40ug74%
Sodium, Na 100mg7%
Zinc, Zn 6mg58%
Water
Water 410g-
* 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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