Jamaican Pumpkin Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines rice with the sweet and nutty flavor of pumpkin. Here’s a simple recipe to make Jamaican Pumpkin Rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice (preferably parboiled)
- 2 cups diced pumpkin (calabaza or Caribbean pumpkin)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Peel and dice the pumpkin into small, uniform pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot or rice cooker, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and scallion until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Pumpkin:
- Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and sauté for a few minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and absorb the flavors.
- Rinse Rice:
- Add the washed rice to the pot and stir well, ensuring the rice is coated with the aromatics and pumpkin.
- Pour in Coconut Milk and Water:
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir the mixture to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a Boil:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until it is tender and has absorbed the liquid. This usually takes about 18-20 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and mix in the pumpkin evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve:
- Serve the Jamaican Pumpkin Rice hot as a side dish to complement your main course. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken or fish.
Enjoy this flavorful and colorful Jamaican Pumpkin Rice that brings together the sweetness of pumpkin and the richness of coconut milk.