Get ready to transform your dinner table with a show-stopping vegetarian dish that's about to become your new seasonal obsession! These gorgeous stuffed pumpkins are more than just a recipe – they're an edible masterpiece that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the delicate sweetness of caramelized onions, and the vibrant nutrition of chard, all nestled inside a perfectly roasted pumpkin. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet plant-based meal, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and tantalize your taste buds in ways you never imagined.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 small pumpkins
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups chard, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully cut the tops off the pumpkins, creating a lid. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, leaving a clean interior. Season the inside of each pumpkin with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in chopped chard and thyme, cooking until the chard wilts and becomes tender, around 3-4 minutes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Carefully fill each pumpkin with the vegetable mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Replace the pumpkin lids and place the stuffed pumpkins on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot, with each person getting a whole stuffed pumpkin.
Tips
- Choose small, uniform pumpkins for the best presentation and even cooking.
- Make sure to scrape out all seeds thoroughly to create a clean interior for stuffing.
- Don't rush the mushroom cooking process – letting them brown develops deeper, richer flavors.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for a more aromatic result.
- Check pumpkin tenderness with a fork – it should easily pierce the flesh when done.
- Let the pumpkins rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated parmesan or nutritional yeast on top before serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 121kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
