Risotto in Decapitated Pumpkins
Notes: Cook and seed pumpkins up to 1 day ahead; cool, cover, and chill. To reheat, set in a single layer on a rack in a pan, add about 1/4 inch hot water, cover, and bake in a 350° oven until hot, about 20 minutes; or steam as directed (step 1) until hot, about 6 minutes. If cooking pumpkins up to 40 minutes ahead, keep warm with steam (see step 2). Spoon freshly cooked risotto into pumpkins just before serving.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Rinse pumpkins. Pierce tops deeply with a knife or sharp fork several times. Set pumpkins upright on a rack (they can be stacked) at least 1 inch above 1 1/2 inches water in a 14- to 15-inch wok or 6- to 8-quart pan. Cover wok and bring water to a boil over high heat. Keeping water at a boil, steam pumpkins until tender when pierced, 20 to 35 minutes, adding more boiling water to pan as needed. Remove pumpkins from pan.
Step 2
2
When pumpkins are cool enough to handle, in about 5 minutes, with a small, sharp knife, cut off tops to make lids that will sit in place. Set lids aside. With a small spoon, scoop out and discard seeds without breaking pumpkin skins. To keep warm up to 40 minutes, set lids in place, return pumpkins to rack over water in pan, cover, and adjust heat so water barely steams.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir butter and onion until onion is limp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add rice and stir often until it begins to turn opaque, about 3 minutes.
Step 4
4
Add 4 1/2 cups broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer rice, stirring often, until tender to bite, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a little more broth if a creamier texture is desired. Stir in cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
5
At once, spoon risotto into hot pumpkin shells. Top with lids.
Ingredients
8 miniature pumpkins (Jack Be Little or Munchkin; each 6 to 8 oz.) with stems
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups medium-grain white rice such as pearl or arborio
About 4 1/2 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and fresh-ground pepper
Directions
Step 1
1
Rinse pumpkins. Pierce tops deeply with a knife or sharp fork several times. Set pumpkins upright on a rack (they can be stacked) at least 1 inch above 1 1/2 inches water in a 14- to 15-inch wok or 6- to 8-quart pan. Cover wok and bring water to a boil over high heat. Keeping water at a boil, steam pumpkins until tender when pierced, 20 to 35 minutes, adding more boiling water to pan as needed. Remove pumpkins from pan.
Step 2
2
When pumpkins are cool enough to handle, in about 5 minutes, with a small, sharp knife, cut off tops to make lids that will sit in place. Set lids aside. With a small spoon, scoop out and discard seeds without breaking pumpkin skins. To keep warm up to 40 minutes, set lids in place, return pumpkins to rack over water in pan, cover, and adjust heat so water barely steams.
Step 3
3
Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan over medium-high heat, frequently stir butter and onion until onion is limp, 4 to 5 minutes. Add rice and stir often until it begins to turn opaque, about 3 minutes.
Step 4
4
Add 4 1/2 cups broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer rice, stirring often, until tender to bite, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a little more broth if a creamier texture is desired. Stir in cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
5
At once, spoon risotto into hot pumpkin shells. Top with lids.
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