Microwave Sweet Pumpkin Nutritious Rice
Easy Sweet Pumpkin Nutritious Rice Using a Microwave
I’ve been absolutely loving the taste of sweet pumpkin lately, so today I decided to make nutritious rice with it! Instead of the usual steaming method, I opted for the microwave, making it incredibly easy and quick to prepare. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the chewy texture of glutinous rice, along with a delightful mix of nuts, dates, and shiitake mushrooms for a truly wholesome and flavorful meal. Perfect for a healthy and impressive dish!
Ingredients- 1 whole sweet pumpkin
- Glutinous rice (enough to fill pumpkin, approx. 1 cup)
- Assorted nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.)
- Seedless dried dates
- Dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated
- Soy sauce (for seasoning rice, approx. 1/2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes, adjusting the amount based on your pumpkin size. Soaking the rice ensures it cooks up fluffy and not mushy. You can also mix in other grains like barley or brown rice for added texture and nutrition. I used about 2/3 of the usual amount of water for cooking rice and added about 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce for a subtle savory flavor. Cook the rice using your rice cooker’s ‘fluffy rice’ setting or standard cook mode until done.
Step 2
Wash the sweet pumpkin thoroughly. Eating it with the skin on is highly recommended as it’s packed with vitamins and minerals! Place the washed pumpkin in the microwave and cook for about 5 minutes to slightly soften it, which will make it easier to hollow out. Once removed, carefully cut off the top part of the pumpkin in a circular shape to create a lid. We’ll use this lid for decoration later.
Step 3
Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and the stringy inner part of the pumpkin. Scrape the inside walls gently to create a smooth cavity for the rice.
Step 4
The inside of the pumpkin has now been completely hollowed out. It’s ready to be filled with the delicious nutritious rice!
Step 5
Carefully spoon the fluffy cooked glutinous rice into the hollowed-out sweet pumpkin. Avoid packing the rice down too tightly, as this can make it gummy. Gently fill the pumpkin cavity.
Step 6
As you fill the pumpkin with rice, tuck in the assorted nuts, dried dates, and rehydrated shiitake mushrooms (sliced if large) between the layers of rice. This adds wonderful texture and a burst of flavor to every bite.
Step 7
Once the pumpkin is filled, place the reserved lid back on top. Place the filled pumpkin onto a microwave-safe dish or plate, ideally with a small amount of water at the bottom to create a steam bath (this prevents the pumpkin from sticking and helps cook evenly). Microwave for about 8 minutes. The pumpkin will release moisture, steaming the rice inside and keeping it tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the pumpkin’s thickness and size, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should slide in easily. Add 1-2 more minutes if needed.
Step 8
Carefully remove the hot pumpkin from the microwave. To plate it beautifully without breaking the shape, use a sturdy plate or a serving dish with a good base for support. Transfer the cooked pumpkin gently.
Step 9
Voila! Your delicious Sweet Pumpkin Nutritious Rice is ready. Serving it with the lid on adds an elegant touch to your table, making it look even more impressive and thoughtful.
Step 10
Once slightly cooled, cut the pumpkin into manageable, bite-sized portions.
Step 11
Serve the sliced pumpkin and rice onto individual plates. This creates a visually stunning, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to impress guests with a thoughtful and nutritious presentation.
