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–+ servings

Jamaican Pumpkin Rice

A delicious one-pot rice dish with a flavorful twist from pumpkin and herbs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the base
  • 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil optional
  • ½ cup diced onion about ½ medium
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 sprigs scallion chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper do not cut
For the rice
  • 1 cup pumpkin peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups uncooked rice
  • 3 tablespoons pumpkin soup mix optional but recommended
  • 4 cups water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat, melt butter (and coconut oil, if using).
  2. Add onion, garlic, scallion, thyme, hot pepper, and pumpkin. Sauté until onion is soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in rice and black pepper. Continue to sauté for about 5 minutes, making sure rice doesn’t stick.
  4. Add water, salt, and pumpkin soup mix (if using). Stir well.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot tightly.
  6. Let simmer for about 30 minutes until rice is tender.
  7. Check occasionally. If the water dries out and rice is still firm, add ¼ cup water at a time as needed.
  8. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork.
  9. Remove thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

Notes

Tips & Substitutions
Seal the lid well: If your pot lid isn’t tight-fitting, use foil to seal it before placing the lid on. Steam is key to cooking the rice properly.
Pumpkin substitutes: Butternut squash or other winter squash varieties can be used.
Coconut flavor boost: Swap 1 cup of water with canned coconut milk, or add 1 tablespoon of coconut milk powder to the water.
Rice types: You can use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice—just adjust water and cooking time accordingly. Add water gradually if needed.
Use broth: Swap water with vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor. Check for salt content before seasoning.
Extras: Add vegetables like sweet peas for a pop of color and texture.

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