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Creamy Savory Pumpkin Rice Recipe with Coconut Milk for Cozy Nights

creamy savory pumpkin rice - featured image

A comforting and creamy pumpkin rice dish made with coconut milk and warming spices, perfect for cozy evenings. This easy one-pot recipe blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with savory aromatics for a rich, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (185g) white or jasmine rice, rinsed well
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ยผ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • A handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside for about 2 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sautรฉ for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Sprinkle in ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg, stirring to coat the aromatics.
  5. Mix in 1 cup pumpkin puree and cook for about 2 minutes to warm through and absorb the spices.
  6. Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  7. Add the drained rice to the pot. Season with ยฝ teaspoon salt and ยผ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  9. Simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  10. Remove the pot from heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes to steam and set.
  11. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork or wooden spoon.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

Rinsing the rice prevents it from sticking and keeps the texture light. Keep heat low after boiling to avoid burning the coconut milk. Do not stir the rice while it simmers to prevent mushiness. If rice is undercooked after 20 minutes, add a splash of warm broth or water, cover, and cook 3-5 minutes longer. Fresh pumpkin can be used but may require reducing broth or longer cooking time. Adjust seasoning generously as coconut milk can mute flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin rice, creamy pumpkin rice, coconut milk rice, cozy dinner, easy comfort food, vegan rice recipe, gluten-free rice dish