Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large pumpkin
- 2 cups of glutinous rice
- 1 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of butter
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Oven-safe dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
3. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for 2 hours.
4. Drain the rice and mix it with the chopped walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Stuff the pumpkin with the rice mixture, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
6. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
7. Pour the sugar syrup over the rice mixture in the pumpkin.
8. Add a tablespoon of butter on top of the rice mixture.
9. Cover the pumpkin with aluminum foil and place it in an oven-safe dish.
10. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the pumpkin is soft and the rice is cooked.
11. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
13. Serve by scooping out the rice mixture with a spoon, along with some of the pumpkin flesh.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- You can use any type of nuts or dried fruits that you prefer.
Variations:
- You can add chopped apples or pears to the rice mixture.
- You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar syrup.
- You can sprinkle some brown sugar on top of the rice mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to leave enough space at the top of the pumpkin to allow the rice to expand while cooking.
- You can test if the pumpkin is cooked by inserting a knife into the flesh. If it goes in easily, it's done.
- You can use the leftover pumpkin flesh to make pumpkin soup or pumpkin puree.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover Ghapama in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the Ghapama in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Ghapama in the pumpkin shell for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with some chopped walnuts and raisins on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts and raisins
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is not cooked through, add some more water and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the pumpkin thoroughly before cutting it open.
- Store any leftover Ghapama in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Ghapama is a traditional Armenian dish that is typically served during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and slightly spiced.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert or a side dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Armenian