Stuffed Mini Pumpkins Delight (Printer-Friendly Version)
Mini pumpkins filled with savory mushrooms, walnuts, and cheese, ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
4 mini pumpkins (Jack-be-Little or Munchkins), washed and dried
02 -
12 mushrooms, chopped
03 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
→ Oils and Fats
04 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Nuts
05 -
60 g (2 ½ oz) walnuts or pre-cooked chestnuts
→ Spices and Seasonings
06 -
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
¼ teaspoon freshly milled pepper
08 -
Pinch of fleur de sel or Celtic salt
→ Dairy
09 -
4 tablespoons crème fraîche, half fat (or Greek yogurt)
10 -
100 g (4 tablespoons) cheese (Emmental, Comté, Parmesan, or Cheddar), grated
→ Herbs
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon rosemary, thyme, or sage)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Prick the base of each mini pumpkin with a fork. Microwave on a plate for 4-5 minutes. Alternatively, roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10 minutes until tender. Set aside to cool.
02 -
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped mushrooms and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
03 -
Slice off the tops of the cooled pumpkins. Remove and discard seeds, saving the tender flesh inside to combine with the filling. Hollow out the cavity to create space for stuffing.
04 -
In a bowl, mix the sautéed mushroom and garlic mixture with crème fraîche, walnuts, half of the grated cheese, fresh herbs, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
05 -
Fill each hollowed pumpkin with the prepared mushroom mixture. Place them upright in a baking dish. Reserve the pumpkin tops for decoration if desired.
06 -
Generously sprinkle the remaining grated cheese atop each stuffed pumpkin. Grill under a preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For a vegan version, replace cheese and crème fraîche with cooked quinoa or wild rice and increase nut content.
02 -
Serve garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Smoked paprika can substitute bacon for a smoky flavor.