Best Miniature Pumpkins Stuffed With Spiced Lentils Recipes

MOROCCAN-STYLE PUMPKIN (WITH LENTILS)

Moroccan-Style Pumpkin (With Lentils) image

The pumpkin - or those squashes whose non-English names translate as "pumpkin" - is a staple the world over, turned into substantial dishes celebrated for their sweetness and density. So-called sugar pumpkins, which are smaller and more flavorful than anything you might carve, are the best for cooking and available even in supermarkets. But you can tackle the big boys too. This recipe uses cubes of pumpkin flesh. Admittedly, getting at the good stuff is the tricky part. And of course you can use any orange-fleshed squash in any pumpkin recipe. But given the season, let's assume you're working with a pumpkin. Start just as if you were carving a jack-o'-lantern: cut a circle around the stem, then pull up on the stem and discard it. Using the cavity as a handle, peel the pumpkin with a sturdy vegetable peeler. Yes, it will take a while. Then cut the pumpkin in half and scrape out the seeds with an ice cream scoop or heavy spoon. You can discard the seeds or roast them. (More on that in a moment.) Cut or scrape off any excess string and cut the pumpkin into approximately 1-inch cubes. (A 4-pound pumpkin will yield about 8 cups of cubes.)

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories dinner, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a little more if necessary
1 pound boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes and trimmed of fat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large or 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
6 cups 1-inch cubes pumpkin flesh
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 fresh bay leaves
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken, beef or vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes with juices (canned are fine)
1 cup lentils
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Steps:

In a heavy pot with a lid, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium-high heat. When hot, add the lamb; sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides, 5 to 8 minutes total, stirring as needed. Remove the pieces of lamb to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
If the pan is dry, add more oil. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 minutes. Add pumpkin, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin; cook until pumpkin begins to soften, about 10 minutes.
Add bay leaves, wine, stock and tomatoes, and return lamb to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 45 minutes on medium-low, partly covered. Stir occasionally; add more stock if needed.
Add lentils, and bring the mixture back to a boil. Adjust heat a simmer. Continue to cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the liquid is thick, about 30 minutes. (If at any point it threatens to become too thick, add a bit of stock or water.) Taste, and adjust the seasoning. Remove the bay leaves, and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 392, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 32 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 760 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

MINIATURE PUMPKINS STUFFED WITH SPICED LENTILS

Miniature Pumpkins Stuffed With Spiced Lentils image

The lentils are delicious when served without the pumpkin, too. Adapted from 365 Ways to Cook Vegetarian. Plan on one "Jack Be Little" or other miniature pumpkin per person.

Provided by Smirk

Categories Lentil

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

6 tiny pumpkins
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth or 3 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°F Fill a 9X13-inch baking pan with 1 inch of water. Set whole pumpkins in pan and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until blade of a knife penetrates flesh easily. (or microwave: With tip of a sharp knife, poke holes in each pumpkin. Set pumpkins in a microwave-safe plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 7 minutes. Rotate pumpkins and microwave 4 to 5 minutes longer.) Let cool, then carefully remove tops to make a lid. Scoop out seeds.
While pumpkins are baking, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Add lentils and broth. Cover and cook until lentils are tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Drain into a colander. Season lentils with salt and cayenne.
Fill hollowed pumpkins with equal amounts of hot lentil mixture. Cover each pumpkin with its lid and serve at once.
In the past, I've also baked a pretty medium-sized pumpkin at 325 (It takes longer, depending on size) and used it as a serving bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 299.1, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 0.8, Sodium 595.4, Carbohydrate 45.4, Fiber 21.1, Sugar 4.5, Protein 17.7