Pumpkin Pilaf

A simple pilaf with pumpkin, studded with dried fruits and nuts
Ingredients - Serves 6
  • 750 g pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice, soaked for 15 minutes in warm water
  • 1 large (or 200 g) onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3-3½ cups vegetable stock or water
  • 2" piece of cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ cup pistachios
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins
  • a fat pinch of saffron, optional
  • a handful of almonds, blanched and sliced
  • ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
Steps
  1. Melt the butter in a large, nonstick pot
  2. Fry the onions till they are soft. Add all the whole and ground spices, fry for a minute and then add the pumpkin, saffron and all the fruits and nuts
  3. Fry for another minute and then add the soaked rice and stock. Season well with some salt and black pepper
  4. Cover and cook till the rice is done and serve hot
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