Pumpkin Glutinous Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish. In terms of appearance, it exhibits a glossy golden yellow color that is truly enticing. In terms of texture, the combination of glutinous rice and pumpkin makes the grains soft and sticky, while the natural sweetness of the pumpkin enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish. With a rich historical background, Pumpkin Glutinous Rice is a traditional delicacy with a long history, particularly popular in southern regions of China. This dish primarily features pumpkin and glutinous rice as its main ingredients, cooked with great care to achieve both deliciousness and abundant nutritional value.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Glutinous Rice：
| Pumpkin | 400g |
| Glutinous rice | 200g |
| Brown sugar | 10g |
| Jujube | 20g |
| Raisin | 20g |
Steps:
1、Prepare a small pumpkin and let’s start making this delicious dish! First, place the pumpkin on a stable surface and carefully cut off the top using a knife. Once cut, you’ll see the flesh and seeds inside the pumpkin. Use a spoon or scraper to gently scoop out the pumpkin flesh, ensuring it is completely hollowed out. After emptying it, wash the pumpkin thoroughly and set it aside. Make sure to clean out any remaining flesh or dirt from the pumpkin to avoid affecting the cooking process later.
2、Pour the rinsed glutinous rice into a pot and add an adequate amount of water. Make sure the glutinous rice is fully covered by water. Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil over medium-low heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the glutinous rice. The cooking time for glutinous rice is approximately eight to ten minutes, allowing it to become soft and sticky without being overly mushy. Stir the glutinous rice occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom. Ensure even heating of the glutinous rice until it becomes fully swollen and tender but still retains some chewiness. While the glutinous rice is cooking, you can prepare other ingredients or proceed with the next steps of the recipe. After eight to ten minutes of cooking, the glutinous rice is ready. Use a strainer or spoon to remove the cooked glutinous rice and place it in a separate container for later use.
3、Pour the cooked glutinous rice into the hollowed-out pumpkin and press it down gently with a spoon or your fingers to flatten it. Ensure that the glutinous rice is evenly distributed inside the pumpkin, creating a consistent texture. Sprinkle an appropriate amount of brown sugar and raisins on the surface of the glutinous rice to add sweetness and aroma. Place a few Jujubes on top for additional texture and visual appeal. Next, layer another portion of glutinous rice on top and press it down gently with a spoon or your fingers to ensure a tight connection between the layers. Sprinkle another layer of brown sugar on top of the glutinous rice to enhance sweetness and visual appeal. Neatly arrange a few Jujubes on top of the brown sugar, making the overall presentation more delicate and attractive. Finally, place the cut-off pumpkin top back in its original position, covering the mound of glutinous rice completely.
4、Preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pumpkin glutinous rice inside the fryer. Close the lid and set the timer for 50 minutes. During the baking process, you can occasionally open the lid and gently shake the cooking basket to ensure even heating of the pumpkin glutinous rice.
5、After the 50-minute baking time has elapsed, open the lid of the air fryer. You will see that the pumpkin glutinous rice has turned golden brown and emits a tempting aroma. Carefully remove the baked pumpkin glutinous rice, taking care to avoid touching the hot surfaces of the fryer. Place them on a plate or tray and let them cool for a while. Now, the baked pumpkin glutinous rice is ready! They have a crispy exterior, a soft interior, and a delightful sweetness from the brown sugar and red dates.
Tips:
1、Choose a fresh and firm pumpkin. It is preferable to select a pumpkin variety with a delicate texture and moderate sweetness.
2、The ratio of glutinous rice to water is crucial. Typically, for every 1 cup of glutinous rice, you will need 1 cup of water. You can adjust the amount of water according to personal preference to achieve the desired texture of the glutinous rice.
Pumpkin glutinous rice is a nutritious, healthy, and delicious home-cooked dish. Glutinous rice is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients, which helps nourish and strengthen the body. Pumpkin contains various vitamins and minerals, offering benefits such as heat-clearing, detoxification, diuretic properties, and reducing swelling. When combined, they provide ample energy and nutrition while also promoting overall well-being.