Viennese Stuffed Pumpkin

Ingredients

In the Viennese adaptation of Ghapama, the traditional Armenian dish, we incorporate Viennese culinary influences to create a unique flavor profile. While the original Ghapama is typically sweet and filled with rice, dried fruits, and honey, the Viennese version adds a savory twist by incorporating apples, nuts, and aromatic spices. This adaptation aims to highlight the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Viennese cuisine, resulting in a delightful fusion of culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Ghapama, so you can check it out.

• 1 medium-sized pumpkin 1 medium-sized pumpkin
• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut off the top of the pumpkin and set it aside. Scoop out the seeds and fibers from the pumpkin.
3. 3.
   In a saucepan, cook the rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions until it is tender.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
5. 5.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion, diced apples, raisins, chopped nuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Stuff the pumpkin with the rice mixture, packing it tightly.
7. 7.
   Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet and brush the melted butter over the pumpkin's surface.
8. 8.
   Cover the pumpkin with its top and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the pumpkin is tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pumpkin — Choose a medium-sized pumpkin that is firm and has a thick skin. This will ensure that the pumpkin holds its shape while baking and doesn't become too mushy.
• Rice — Use long-grain rice for the best texture. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
• Apples — Opt for crisp and slightly tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, to balance the sweetness of the dish.
• Nuts — Toast the nuts before chopping them to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the stuffing.
• Butter — For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the stuffing before baking.
• Serve the Viennese Stuffed Pumpkin with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to add your own twist to the dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Don't discard the pumpkin seeds! Rinse them, toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, then roast them in the oven for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Serving advice

Slice the Viennese Stuffed Pumpkin into wedges and serve it as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. The pumpkin itself can be served as a centerpiece on the table, creating a visually appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

When serving the Viennese Stuffed Pumpkin, garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to add a pop of color and freshness. The vibrant orange color of the pumpkin combined with the aromatic stuffing will make for an eye-catching and appetizing dish.