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 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes 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
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.
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.
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.
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