Aromatic Armenian Ghapama Stuffed Pumpkin with Sweet Rice Filling
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.
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Preparing the Pumpkin
- 1
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 2
Oil the Pumpkin
Rub the hollowed pumpkin with vegetable oil inside and out.
- 3
Position on Baking Sheet
Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet.
Tip: Ensure the pumpkin is stable on the baking sheet to prevent tipping during cooking.
Preparing the Rice Filling
- 1
Rinse Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2
Par-cook Rice
Cook the rice in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped dried fruits, nuts, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Tip: Slit the dates open to let the honey soak in during baking.
How to Make Aromatic Armenian Ghapama Stuffed Pumpkin with Sweet Rice Filling
Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Assembling the Ghapama
Carefully fill the pumpkin with the rice mixture, keeping a headspace of about an inch.
- 2
Sealing the Pumpkin
Pour the honey mixture over the rice and seal with the pumpkin lid, securing it with toothpicks.
- 3
Baking the Pumpkin
Place the pumpkin in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the pumpkin is tender.
Chef's Tips
Frequently asked questions
Explore more from TastyFood
Looking for something different? Browse by category.