Aromatic Armenian Ghapama Stuffed Pumpkin with Sweet Rice Filling

Name: Aromatic Armenian Ghapama Stuffed Pumpkin with Sweet Rice Filling
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 medium pumpkin (about 3-4 kg), top cut and hollowed out; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups uncooked short-grain rice; 1½ cups mixed dried fruits (apricots, raisins, dates), chopped; 1 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds), chopped; 3 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 1 tsp nutmeg; Salt to taste; ½ cup honey; 2 tbsp melted butter; ½ cup hot water

A Festive Vegan Dish Ideal for Celebrations

Ghapama is a traditional Armenian dish where a pumpkin is stuffed with a sweet and spiced rice mixture, making it a unique and flavorful centerpiece for any festive table.

2 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin

1 medium pumpkin (about 3-4 kg), top cut and hollowed out

1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Rice Filling

2 cups uncooked short-grain rice

1½ cups mixed dried fruits (apricots, raisins, dates), chopped

1 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds), chopped

3 tbsp honey

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Salt to taste

For the Honey Mixture

½ cup honey

2 tbsp melted butter

½ cup hot water

Preparation

Preparing the Pumpkin

Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Oil the Pumpkin

Rub the hollowed pumpkin with vegetable oil inside and out.

Position on Baking Sheet

Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet.

Ensure the pumpkin is stable on the baking sheet to prevent tipping during cooking.

Preparing the Rice Filling

Rinse Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Par-cook Rice

Cook the rice in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped dried fruits, nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Slit the dates open to let the honey soak in during baking.

Cooking Process

Assembling the Ghapama

Carefully fill the pumpkin with the rice mixture, keeping a headspace of about an inch.

Sealing the Pumpkin

Pour the honey mixture over the rice and seal with the pumpkin lid, securing it with toothpicks.

Baking the Pumpkin

Place the pumpkin in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the pumpkin is tender.

Plating & Serving