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Cozy Pumpkin Rice: Your Fall Comfort Dish

Irresistibly Cozy Pumpkin Rice: Your Ultimate Fall Comfort Dish

Cozy Pumpkin Rice is the perfect fall comfort dish, blending creamy pumpkin flavors with hearty brown rice for a delightful side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Rice
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Autumn Recipes, Cozy Pumpkin Rice, Fall comfort dish, Healthy Rice Dish, Pumpkin Recipes, Vegetarian Side Dish
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

  • 1 cup Long Grain Brown Rice Provides nutty flavor and fiber.
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil Can substitute with olive oil.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Can swap with yellow onion.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

For the Pumpkin Flavor

  • 1 cup Pumpkin Puree Avoid pumpkin pie filling.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Oregano or sage can be alternatives.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.

For Cooking

  • 2 cups Water Adjust based on rice choice.

For Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar Can substitute with apple cider vinegar.
  • optional Fresh Parsley/Cilantro For color and freshness.
  • optional tablespoon Toasted Pumpkin Seeds For added crunch.

Instructions

Cooking Steps

  • Begin by heating avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until it turns soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cooking it for just 1 minute. Keep an eye on it, ensuring it stays fragrant but doesn’t brown.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the long grain brown rice, creamy pumpkin puree, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently until well combined.
  • Pour in your water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar. Allow it to sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
  • Optional: Top with fresh parsley or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Notes

Perfectly fluffy rice can be achieved by not over-stirring. For extra creaminess, mix in a splash of coconut milk or butter before serving. Always use plain pumpkin puree for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
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